photo by Dave Lichterman
Philadelphia’s The War On Drugs has weathered the worst of storms: the departure of three band members at the end of 2008 dealt a blow to fans of the foursome’s Americana-influenced rock and roll. Frontman Adam Granduciel has led the band through thick and thin, culminating in the band’s second full-length LP for indie label Secretly Canadian, Slave Ambient. Despite being their first release since the departure of Kurt Vile, Slave Ambient loses none of The War On Drugs’ appeal, and it seems that Granduciel may have even benefited from the loss of his bandmate. Shoegazing ambient passages bookend engaging tracks filled with heart and aching with emotion. The band recently stopped by the KEXP studios for a powerful performance.
