Adam Granduciel, lead singer of The War on Drugs, has one of those tough, weary voices that makes for enthralling song delivery. He naturally embodies the troubles and difficulties of life, and by doing so he lessens them for the rest of us. Granduciel shares former band-mate Kurt Vile’s classic rock sensibilities, love of torn denim, and tousled locks, but he is very much his own man. The War on Drugs covers much-traveled territory musically, but Granduciel’s voice makes it fresh and vital. His latest album Slave Ambient, released today via Secretly Canadian, works its way into those hard-to-reach places in the soul, leaving the listener in an agreeable reverie.
War on Drugs’ songs fit smoothly and warmly into your life like a well-worn sweater. This comfort is noticeable almost instantly, about 50 seconds in, when Granduciel’s voice softly descends, stretching syllables, gently nudging you along. Throughout the album, acoustic guitars strum, drums beat steadily, and brilliant lead guitar courtesy of Granduciel himself floats on top, unassuming but quietly dazzling. Harmonicas and keyboards add to the rich, ramshackle, soothing feel.
“I Was There,” a standout, lopes along with a care-free, uncomplicated piano riff. The lead guitar duels with the piano, sometimes accompanying it, sometimes working off it, never impeding it. Granduciel does not strain his voice. The lovely swing fits with some of his influence’s best mellow, folksy grooves, like Neil Young’s “Speakin’ Out,” from his excellent Tonight’s The Night. It all seems easy for Granduciel.
Another highlight, “Come To The City,” feels similarly effortless, building into a precise march. Granduciel sings “I’ve been rambling/ I’m just drifting,” but the constancy of the drums provides him with whatever roots he may lack. There is no judgement and no regret; change comes but he seems at peace.
While fast songs on Slave Ambient generally center on the same pounding drum beat, this is not necessarily a bad thing—comfort requires a certain amount of predictability. When the album comes to an end, the return to reality is slightly jarring. You may find yourself wanting to slip back into that sweater.
