The October 2, 2024, concert at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, featuring Lucius, The War On Drugs, and The National, was an emotionally immersive experience, delivering a night filled with dream-like harmonies and powerful anthems.
Lucius opened the evening, setting an ethereal tone with their delicate harmonies and indie pop-folk blend. The duo’s vocals intertwined beautifully on songs like “Two of Us on the Run” and “Lucy,” while their closer, “Genevieve,” brought a burst of energy to their set. There was a warmth in their performance that pulled the audience in, offering a gentle, almost intimate start to the night. “How Loud Your Heart Gets” stood out as a poignant highlight, filling the arena with a collective sense of reflection.
Next, The War On Drugs took the stage, adding a cinematic and expansive soundscape that immediately captivated the crowd. They kicked off with “Baby Missiles,” a rush of synths and guitars that set the tone for their set of soaring rock epics. “An Ocean in Between the Waves” was a sprawling odyssey, with Adam Granduciel’s guitar work effortlessly carrying the room. The poignant “Strangest Thing” brought a sense of yearning, while “Red Eyes” had the crowd in full swing, clapping along to its infectious rhythm. The high point was when Lucius rejoined the stage for “I Don’t Live Here Anymore,” their harmonies blending seamlessly with Granduciel’s melancholic delivery, creating a moment of communal catharsis.
By the time The National took over, the crowd was ready for the brooding intensity they are known for. Starting with “Don’t Swallow the Cap,” Matt Berninger’s rich baritone filled the arena as he wandered the stage with his characteristic nonchalance. “Eucalyptus” and “Tropic Morning News” were both sharp and emotionally charged, but it was “Bloodbuzz Ohio” that truly ignited the crowd, with its pulsating rhythm and introspective lyrics resonating deeply. The energy never wavered, especially during “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” and “I Need My Girl,” where the mix of haunting melodies and lyrical vulnerability had the audience in a trance.
The encore was a masterclass in emotional intensity, starting with the new track “Alien,” before delivering fan favorites “Mr. November” and “Terrible Love,” where Berninger’s raw, guttural delivery stirred something primal in the crowd. The night ended on a perfect note with “About Today,” a song that felt like a collective release of emotion, as the final chords lingered long after the band left the stage.
This was a night of layered emotions, dynamic musicianship, and three distinct performances that seamlessly connected to form an unforgettable journey. Each band brought something unique, and together, they created a cohesive and deeply moving experience.