One of my favorite albums of the year so far is Slave Ambient by the War on Drugs. I recently flagged these guys in one of my Song of the Day posts over on WP.com and described them as follows:
The overall sound of the album is fresh but familiar. The instrumentals are a mix of propulsive rhythms, interesting background synths, and multiple guitars that are layered, sweep-filtered, and perfectly jangle-y. But even with a good amount of experimental, psychedelic haziness, their music is all based in a well-known melodic framework reminiscent of artists like Bruce Springsteen, Arcade Fire and even U2. But it’s probably frontman Adam Granduciel’s vocals that really provide the familiar sonic pallete. It’s almost like someone took a little bit of Dylan, Springsteen, Petty and Westerberg and wrapped them all up into a younger, mellower vocal doppelganger.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch their live show last time they cruised through NYC. Luckily, nyctaper was there to get the live audio, and while the vocals don’t shine through that well in this recording, it’s definitely cool to hear them stretch out their songs in the live setting.
The War on Drugs just played DeLuna Fest and are on tour through December; definitely on my list of bands I can’t wait to see live.
The War On Drugs 2011 Fall & Winter Tour Dates:
10/17/11 – Dallas, TX @ Bryant Street Tavern #
10/18/11 – Austin, TX @ Emo’s #
10/20/11 – Tucson, AZ @ Plush #
10/21/11 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar #
10/22/11 – Los Angeles, CA @ Satellite #
10/23/11 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent #
10/25/11 – Portland, OR @ Bunk Bar #
10/26/11 – Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern #
10/27/11 – Spokane, WA @ A Club #
10/28/11 – Nampa, ID @ Flying M #
10/29/11 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court #
10/30/11 – Denver, CO @ Hi Dive #
11/01/11 – Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot #
11/02/11 – Columbia, MO @ Mojo’s #
11/03/11 – Bloomington, IN @The Bishop#
11/04/11 – Cincinnati, OH @ Mayday Northside#
11/05/11 – Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern#
11/06/11 – Baltimore, MD @ Talking Head#
12/03/11 – Harrisburg, PA @ Abbey Bar At Appalachian Brewing Company
12/04/11 – Washington, DC @ The Rock ‘N Roll Hotel
12/06/11 – Indianapolis, IN @ Radio Radio
12/07/11 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
12/08/11 – Toledo, OH @ Mickey Finn’s Pub
12/09/11 – Toronto, ON @ The Horseshoe Tavern
12/10/11 – Ithaca, NY @ Castaways
12/11/11 – New York, NY @ The Bowery Ballroom
12/12/11 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre w/ The National
12/17/11 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
# w/ Purling Hiss and Carter Tanton
