Photographed by Kaitlyn Musgrove ; Written by Kaitlyn Musgrove

Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (DRUGS) Electrifies Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Middle East Downstairs in Cambridge, Massachusetts erupted into a whirlwind of energy courtesy of a stacked lineup consisting of Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (DRUGS), supported by The Requiem, Downswing and Savage Hands on June 15, 2024. 

The Requiem kicked off the night with a darker, more atmospheric vibe. Self proclaimed “emo” band from Florida, filled the old bowling alley with haunting melodies and intricate compositions creating an atmosphere that was captivating and beautifully contrasted with the acts that were to follow. Downswing was next with a relentless onslaught of aggression. Their hardcore sound reverberated through the venue, igniting mosh pits and two stepping that kept the energy at a fever pitch. With no slowing down Savage Hands proceeded with a burst of fiery energy immediately grabbing the attention of the crowd. Leaving everyone in anticipation for the final act. 

Bringing the post-hardcore and emo nostalgia from the 2010s Destroy Rebuild Until God Shows (DRUGS) took the stage. Frontman Craig Owens’ (also known for his other projects such as Chiodos) charismatic stage presence and powerful vocals commanded attention, while the band’s tight instrumentation brought their studio recordings to life with raw, visceral energy. Launching into tracks like, “If You Think This Song is About You, It Probably Is,” and “Graveyard Dancing,” transported the audience back to the heyday of post-hardcore. The intimate atmosphere of the 500 person capacity venue only added to the charm of the evening, really drawing you into DRUGS’ performance. 

Every band brought their own individuality to their set creating a diverse yet cohesive experience. For those lucky enough to attend, it was a night filled with passion, energy and unforgettable performances that will linger in their memories for years to come.