The War On Drugs

Formed in 2005 by Kurt Vile and Adam Granduciel, The War On Drugs spent several years gathering fans and gigging at home, before dropping its first album, Wagonwheel Blues, in 2008. Blues earned positive reviews from the music community and focused national attention on both the band and on Vile, whose solo work was also earning acclaim. In 2009, Vile signed to Matador, leaving Granduciel to helm The War On Drugs’ activity. Like Vile’s excellent 2011 release Smoke Rings For My Halo, The War On Drugs’ new follow-up, Slave Ambient, applies jolts of disjointed noise and a laconic sensibility to the heartland-rock template. But where Vile draws people in with his weirdo-loner sensitivity, The War On Drugs goes big, strumming and swelling all the way back to the cheap seats.

Updated 03/23/2012