WERS 88.9 fm - Artist Interview: Drug Rug

November 20^th, 2009

Drug Rug's Sarah Cronin and Thomas Allen came by WERS for an in studio performance, and brought with them a unique style of music that featured some impressive guitar skills. Hailing from Cambridge Massachusetts, they've both combined their talents and previous experiences to create their current band, Drug Rug. On tour now, in support of Paint The Fence Invisible, Drug Rug seemed eager to get back into the studio once again to produce more music. "We are eager to record more because we like to keep things moving," Cronin said.

In the studio, their setup was a bit different from their live shows. Their in studio performance held a more intimate vibe with just the two main band members, their voices and a single instrument for each person. Cronin was rocking an Epiphone electric guitar and Allen had with him an acoustic six-string.  Allen stated, "Our live shows are a lot more rock & Roll, noisier, fun and full of energy. We try to channel the noise of Sonic Youth." While Cronin added, "We usually have a full band with drums, bass and keys. And we all like to switch and play different instruments during our set." With their shows holding a distinctive form of live music, the effective utilization of an acoustic and electric guitar worked out great and gave their listeners a chance to experience a unique and talented form of Drug Rug.

The first song of the set was "Never Tell," off their new album. The sound emanating from the two musicians had a mellow rock and roll feel. Cronin's Epiphone burst out raw edgy rifts during the verses while she stomped her foot to the beat and banged her head ever so slightly.  Both Allen and Cronin harmonized blissfully together. When Allen added energetic rhythms through his acoustic guitar, Cronin erupted into tender solos through the song.

The pair talked briefly about their recent recording adventure with the new album, Paint the Fence Invisible. Cronin added, "We headed to the mountains and recorded in a haunted mansion called Old Soul." Going into recording none of the lyrics had been written yet, and Cronin and Allen both agreed that the house played a part in the inspiration of the lyrics due to the weirdness of the house.

The second song didn't have a name because it hasn't been recorded. Kicking it off with a lively body-shaking mood, Cronin sang passionately and with her eyes closed, "You're so mean and you don't even mean it." Cronin injected her listeners with a punchy feel as she bent the strings of her guitar in a heart felt solo. While Cronin tore it up on her electric, Allen provided the underlying energy that fueled much of the steadfast emotion during the set.

The last song performed was "Lonesome Kale." With a slow and somber tone, Allen's beautiful, mournful voice resonated in the studio as he sang during the verse of this sincere song. Allen displayed his incredible dynamic within the duo during this song, as his voice soared from high and low over the strum of his guitar. 

The duo was asked what the weirdest show they performed was, and they responded with an interesting story. Cronin began to explain, "We played on a Rock and Roll Boat cruise ship. We played just as the boat started to take off from the shore." Allen added, "It was really hard to stand up and we all kept falling over as the boat took off. Our bassist even got sick."

With each song providing rhythmic variety, these guys proved to be more than simple musicians; they provide their listen with songs that are much more intricate than your average verse/chorus/verse/chorus tune. Allen offered up a deep, rhythmic and melodic focus, while Cronin brought all of herself into the music with her unique talent. Each song shined with light and held a reflective value. It's a safe bet that these deeply talented musicians will continue to grace the music scene with their unprecedented compositions. 

-By Kristen DeTroia