I Don’t Live Here Anymore: The War on Drugs Brings Pure Bliss With New Album

The first time I heard “I Don’t Live Here Anymore”, the title song of the new album from The War on Drugs, I was hooked instantly and it never let me go. The undeniably catchy opening guitar does the trick; classic rock for 2021. Then the heartland vocals of Adam Granduciel, followed by the band kicking in, and culminating in a rousing chorus, with background vocals by indie-pop band Lucius. That’s all I needed to hear to rush out and buy the new album.

I’m glad I did, since there is not a weak song anywhere to be found. The album starts mellow with “Living Proof;” subtle piano and guitar, accentuated by organ and mellotron. “Harmonia’s Dream” picks up the pace and highlights the band’s multi-instrumental attributes with piano, keyboards, sax, and the ever-present vintage guitar. “Change” is mid-tempo inspired by the interplay of piano and guitar. “Victim” is characterized by a fast backbeat and scorching guitar. “Old Skin” is another standout slowly building through beautiful piano and vocals. The album closes much as it began with a softer song, “Occasional Rain,” which reinforces the album’s prevailing theme of ageing: “I feel a storm coming on, I feel a darkness at my gates, Live this loneliness of life, Keep on moving at your pace, Ain’t the sky just shades of grey, Until you’ve seen it from the other side, Oh, if loving you’s the same, It’s only some occasional rain.”

The War on Drugs formed in Philadelphia, PA in 2005, founded by songwriter/singer, Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile. Kurt Vile went on to a successful solo career after leaving The War on Drugs in 2008. The band seemed to really define its sound for its third album in 2014, Lost in the Dream; a favorite of many longtime fans. 2017’s A Deeper Understanding brought the band to a new level of popularity, particularly by winning the Grammy for Best Rock Album. I Don’t Live Here Anymore is continuing that trajectory as the band is off to Madison Square Garden to begin the new year.

This is another band that I had heard of, thought I might like, but never explored them further. Once again, Sirius XMU radio introduced me to a new song when I heard “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” while driving down the highway. With Granduciel’s son named Bruce (in honor of you know who), a hark back to a Bob Dylan concert in the title song, and shades of Tom Petty and Neil Young, you’d wonder if this band is derivative. While seemingly influenced by those artists, The War on Drugs brings a fresh approach to rock and roll. The guitars are enhanced, layered, and uplifting. The Americana-style vocals are emotive. The increased use of synths on this album adds a new dimension and enlivens the sound by playing off the vocals and guitar. The storytelling is relatable; this time centered on getting older, looking back on life, and forging ahead. Above all, the music is simply irresistible and infectious.

D² Rating ◼◼◼◼☐

Trivia ? – Who is Adam Granduciel’s longtime girlfriend?

Answer: Actress Krysten Ritter (Jessica Jones, Breaking Bad)

This album deserves another song…