A Joyful Explosion: for KING + COUNTRY’s Selecting Their Drummer Boy Christmas
It’s not every day that you find yourself singing “Silent Night” with a crowd of 6,000 people, surrounded by twinkling cell phone lights swaying in unison. But for KING + COUNTRY’s “A Drummer Boy Christmas” concert delivered just such an experience at London’s Peacock Theatre.
Perhaps it’s human nature to crave connection, especially as the nights draw in and holiday songs fill the air. The music of for KING + COUNTRY already holds a powerful emotive tug, but experiencing it live – with that soulful, harmonizing, anthemic intensity just hits differently.
The aodugrio delighted a packed house with a dynamic setlist that seamlessly blended fan favorites like ‘Shoulder’, “God Only Knows”, “Burn the Ships” “Amen” and “For God Is With Us,” with heartfelt renditions of beloved carols. Their excitement was contagious, echoing the joy of the season, set against a backdrop of lush, vibrant reds and golds.
For those unfamiliar with the band’s unique approach, “A Drummer Boy Christmas” might leave you questioning, “how much drums is too much drums?” But this isn’t just a Christmas show: It’s a rock concert, a symphony of powerful vocals, and, yes, a lot of drums.
For those not familiar with the band, for KING + COUNTRY is made up of Australian brothers, Luke and Joel Smallbone, who craft their songs with themes grounded in faith, love, and brotherhood. The show’s namesake comes from the 1941 classic hit, “The Little Drummer Boy,” which rang out as a passionate crescendo at the show’s final act.
But why emphasize the drums? As it turns out, for KING + COUNTRY imbue every song – from the heart-achingly beautiful “Unsung Hero” (a dedicated to their mother) to the joyously upbeat “Christmas” originals “Baby Boy” and “Glorious.” The percussive intensity brings a distinct energy that’s as infectious as the Christmas spirit itself. Imagine a church choir mixed with stadium-rock energy; a tantalizing fusion of melodies punctuated by bursts of driving beats. The stage boasted two full drum kits and at times, the rhythm section emerald around a central electronic drum machine, hammering out a rhythmic symphony that captivated the audience.
Additional magic was directly tied to the crowd. The brothers commanded the stage with charisma and brotherly love, sharing stories and weaving personal touches into their performance that felt distinct and vulnerable.
