Chorus singing is no longer appreciated, backing is usually composed of half an orchestra.
There is quite a lot of loud banging from the drum kits

Not in Stroud. Dursley has a fortnightly session with a Djembe player - he is loud - jeez. Frampton on Severn did have an electronic drumkit, but by all accounts the night I turned up it was his new toy and he didn't bring it again. (neither are in Stroud but very near, well, compared to Berwick and Leeds, very near!). I have not visited Arlingham and the second session in Frampton.

As for joyless places, I know of some, but that is because they are run by jaded people. There is one I know of near Worcester where they have feature nights, like duos paired at random and have to practice their 3 songs. Or Folk Plays put on by the regulars which gets performed at festivals. Despite the age range I would describe that as vibrant. Things vary. I do a lot of social dancing and choose the bands for their uplift. Our Irish session is pretty fast and not over pally, they laugh and joke but the music is king.

If you want drumkits and modern singer songwriters - we have open mics everywhere, they take the dross - thank goodness.

I would say, if you are a misanthrope, you will find the worst in anything and enjoy the griping. Nice places just wouldn't suit you. Mentioning no names.