Album Review: The War on Drugs ‘Slave Ambient’
Do not link these guys to a fraudulent President who first coined the term “War on Drugs.” This Philly based rock n’ roll quartet is nothing but authentic. Sure some influences ring out in their songs, most notably Bruce Springsteen, This blend of folk, blues, Americana, alternative and country provides a melting pot of opportunities for innovation. These guys make me proud. They allow me to tout Bloomington-based indie label Secretly Canadian (See: Gardens & Villa, Here We Go Magic, Throw Me the Statue, and Yeasayer amongst many others) once again.
I would be lying if I told you that I was all over their 2008 release Wagonwheel Blues. However, I only recently realized that Kurt Vile was once a member of this group. I guess it took a Vile departure to legendary Matador Records in 2009 and a revamped roster to finally grab my attention.
Current
▪ Adam Granduciel (vocals, guitar, harmonica, keyboards, samplers)
▪ Dave Hartley (bass, guitars)
▪ Mike Zanghi (drums, percussion, sampler)
Former
▪ Kurt Vile (guitar)
▪ Kyle Lloyd (drums)
▪ Charlie Hall (drums, organ)
It also helps that Sirius XMU has been dropping an aerial assault of The War on Drugs‘ single “Baby Missiles” off of their brand new album Slave Ambient.
These songs are heavily layered and detailed compared to the folky stuff that I am used to. A quick album comparison for me is to match this one up against Wilco’s AM. The irony is that AM was the first Wilco album post the Uncle Tupelo fall out. The change in The War on Drugs regime fits and makes sense. I hope Granduciel understands that he has the power to project like Jeff Tweedy because this material has staying power.
Along with “Baby Missiles”, I believe “Brothers” and even a wordless “Original Slave” do the best job of projecting their sounds. To me, these songs build fusion and exemplify the unity that this new group is attempting to find.
I hate to do it, but I thank “Tricky Dick” Nixon for naming a terrific band. The War on Drugs, I thank you for this fresh piece of team building and Americana happiness.
“If you want to build beautiful music, you must play black and white notes together”
Richard Milhous Nixon
Finding the gray area is what these guys do best. Buy their album at Luna Music.
Written by Brett McGrath
Album Review: Triptides release ‘Psychic Summer’
I am a sucker for the Surf Pop segment of the indie scene and Triptides punches you in the face with it – albeit in a mellow manner. San Francisco bands Sonny & The Sunsets, Thee Oh Sees, and Ty Segall have accounted for some of the sweetest Garage Rock that I’ve heard in years. Throw West Palm Beach, FL band Surfer Blood in the mix and now we are grouping together my current favorite bands. ENTER: Psychic Summer, Triptides’ first full-length LP from the indie label Beach Tapes.
I was intrigued by this group after a discovery via bandcamp. Their EP Tropical Dreams was a natural extension of the sound I’ve been digging from the aforementioned Surf Pop circuit. After hearing Tropical Dreams, I could not believe that this band had escaped me. Upon research and investigation I came to the shocking discovery that this music had not originated in a state where a sunburns are as common as parking tickets. These guys were from my home state. These guys were from Bloomington, Indiana.
Psychic Summer is a group of songs that defines hard work, dedication, and authenticity. Opening tracks “Going Under” and “Pier” help display their sound but also underscore their improvement since the earlier EP. Triptides has not changed their formula they have only evolved it. Songs, like “Outlaw” display their dedication to simple strong guitar riffs while pairing it with effective lyrics. The line, “There will come a time when I will go way to another town, never settle down” helps to display the nomadic message of Triptides.
It is no coincidence that this band from Bloomington, IN is debuting their album in San Diego, Fullerton and Santa Cruz, California. Their roots come from 2,100 miles away but you’d never be able to tell upon discovery. I respect their wandering toes and dedication to find their niche. It takes a novelist’s eye to find a seam in indie rock. Triptides is a sailor’s step in front. Buy their album for $4 here:
Written by @IndyMcGrath
Thought on Tracks 