Concert Fri Oct 09 2009

Drug Rug Bring Sunny Folk to Schubas

I'm not really a fan of country music (at all) but i can get down with some folk twang, especially when it hangs on to a rock root. On first listen, Drug Rug reminded me of The White Stripes, specifically "Well It's True That We Love One Another" from Elephant because of its 50's low-fi radio sound and charming vocals. As much as their songs fall into a folk and country vein, their style doesn't stick boldly in one genre. Their latest LP, Paint The Fence Invisible is more structured than their psychedelic-heavy debut, but the vibe remains and spells out fun on dazey doo-wop numbers like "Don't Be Frightened By The Devil" and the 60's girl-punk-y "Hannah, Please."

Besides making up the core of the band, Tommy Allen and Sarah Cronin also make an incredibly cute couple. The pair met while working at Middle East Club in Cambridge, MA and hit it off romantically and collaboratively, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Allen and Cronin were in town in August with the band headlining The Hideout when it hit me how bluesy they can be as well, especially on songs like "Never Tell." Their stage show unfortunately left a bit to be desired. You could say the laid back attitude created a welcoming friendly feeling, but I felt it made them look sloppy and unpracticed. Allen and Cronin are, however, incredibly charming on stage together--you should see the way he watches her as she clearly commands the group. Another highlight of the Hideout show was when the band members literally played musical chairs as they switched instruments and Cronin hit the drums. So, let's give this group the benefit of the doubt and hope that they've grown tighter as they've toured together, or that I just caught them on an off day, because their music has an endearing quality that is worth seeing live.

If you're lucky enough to have tickets to one of Saturday or Sunday's sold out Portgual. The Man shows at Schubas this weekend, you'll see Drug Rug open along with Hockey.

3159 N. Southport. Saturday's show starts at 10pm and is 21 & up. Sunday's show starts at 8pm and is 18 & up. Both shows are sold out.

— Michelle Meywes / Comments (1)