IT’S not often a band leaves a journalist lost for words but it’s difficult to come up with enough superlatives to describe The War on Drugs’ appearance at the O2 Guildhall Southampton.

The band, led by Adam Granduciel proving double denim can look cool and not a fashion faux pas, proved they are worthy of the tag ‘Philadelphia’s finest’ with a triumphant set.

The Guildhall was packed with fans and music lovers eager to see why The War on Drugs are one of the most critically acclaimed acts in the world – and they were not disappointed.

New York City’s Amen Dunes provided the support slot and impressed with their enchanting brand of alt-folk.

Granduciel ripped into Under the Pressure before telling the crowd is was his first time in Southampton, with added emphasis on the ‘Hampton’.

Their set was a welcome mix of cuts from last year’s Lost in the Dream, and songs from their previous two albums Wagonwheel Blues and 2011’s Slave Ambient.

Stand out moments were the emotion-driven Eyes to the Wind, a six-minute dream-like wonder, and the up-tempo, anthemic Red Eyes.

Daily Echo:

The musicianship on show was frightening, with Granduciel throwing in mesmerising guitar solos, and a cover of George Harrison’s Beware of Darkness kicked-off a seven song encore.

The War on Drugs put on one of the best shows I’ve seen at the historic venue in recent years and is sure to live long in the memory of those who were there to see it.

Rory McKeown