Slave Ambient starts with a buzz and a warm, acoustic hum that swells into something reminiscent of the Broken Social Scene’s glory days. The latest effort by Philly four-piece, the War on Drugs, sonically fits into Secretly Canadian’s aesthetic, striking the same emotive chord as label mates Throw Me the Statue or Here We Go Magic. A cohesive fusion between indie pop and what feels like lo-fi folk, the hybridity of their sophomore LP release amplifies the War On Drugs’ ability to create lyrical texture and sound.
The alum’s opener, “Best Night,” is subtle and unfolds cathartic. A tempered mix of vocals and instrumentation frame the core appeal of the song. It is honest, lush, and memorable, much like lead vocalist Adam Granduciel’s diction. Effortlessly, “Best Night” eases into the following track, “Brothers.” Atmospheric wind premises jangly chords that seem to drip with harmonization. Granduciel’s delivery brings to mind Bob Dylan or a young Lou Reed, rendering the song into an apt anthem for autumn in the wake of summer’s decline. “I Was There” slides in with rustic distortion and vibrant melodies that swoon romantic to the tune of its harmonica and twangy riffs while “Your Love Is Calling My Name,” with its almost instantaneous tempo and rushing sounds, resembles the cinematic feel of traffic or the brilliance of a city skyline at dusk. The shift from “The Animator” to “Come to the City” is flawless and organic, occurring without a shred of disconnect or dissonance. Latter tracks like “It’s Your Destiny” glisten and feel prophetic with echoey vocals and persistent beats, making instrumental cuts like “City Reprise” feel like a less strung out AnCo laced with the skill of a psyched out Mogwai. “Baby Missiles” harbors a pop-friendly charm while “Original Slave” is an introspective revisioning of melodies rampant throughout the album’s length. Closing with “Blackwater,” the War On Drug’s Slave Ambient stands as a testament to earnest longings and the band’s prolific potential from start to end.
It may have been an excruciatingly long wait for the full-length follow-up to Wagonwheel Blues, but one that is worthy to be treasured. You can purchase Slave Ambient via Secretly Canadian HERE. – Dianca Potts