Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows
D.R.U.G.S.

By Todd Jolicouer

D.R.U.G.S. is a post-hardcore band that evolved from the dismissal of Chiodos lead singer Craig Owens. Never being a fan of Chiodos, I find it very interesting that I really like this young band, who features musicians from other bands as Matchbook Romance, Underminded, Story Of The Year, and From First To Last. So much music has been released in the last few months, I decided to put this down and not review it earlier this year. I picked it up and threw it in at home the other night and realized it has stood up against other recent releases.

As with most post-hardcore bands and CDs, this disc has it’s share of vocals being screamed and growled, but the rock and pop sensibility that is woven into the fabric keeps this from becoming another unforgettable disc from the genre. Disc opener “If You Think This Song Is About You, It Probably Is” is a prime example of the various types of vocals present. The next song, “The Only Thing You Talk About” is similar and keeps the energy level up, while not drowning you in screaming. “Graveyard Dancing” is another good song that shows how well the band plays together. These guys can play either mellow, melodic, or ramped up hardcore. Continuing down the path, “Mr. Owl Ate My Metal Worm” leans toward the hardcore side and is a little more aggressive than the prior songs, but is very good as well.

One of the better songs on the disc, “Sex Life,” is next. This is another tune that shows the different facets of the band and their capabilities. The song is very strong musically and lyrically. Owens really puts his stamp on this one and you feel his angst, while still being able to understand the vocals. There are a lot of songs with names that are really off the wall, and the next tune is no different: “Laminated E.T. Animal.” If there were any songs on this disc that could be a crossover hit, this one could be, if it were turned down just a notch. This is another solid song. “Stop Reading, Start Doing Pushups” is next and is one of the most, hardcore songs on the disc. Settling back into a less harsh sound, “I’m The Rehab, You’re The Drugs” is next.

“I’m Here To Take The Sky” is a great song. There are quite a few here, and this is up there. This song makes me want a disc of acoustic tracks from the band featuring Owens in a more reserved setting. This tune demonstrates the guy really can sing. “The Hangman” thrusts right back into the heavy pop/light hardcore sound the band seems to do… and do well! Disc closer “My Swagger Has A First Name” drops you back on hardcore street. This is a good book end to “Stop Reading, Start Doing Pushups,” but not one of my favorites.

These guys are good at what they do. If you like it a little edgy without all the screamo and growling of their contemporaries, this is the disc for you. Now I know why Andy Beirsack digs these guys (guitarist Matt Good is one of his best friends). Check them out, so you can say you knew them before they were huge.