The War on Drugs
Lost in the Dream

LA RECENSIONE

I’m fine, I’m unwell sang someone. There’s a thin line between these two states of mind, and someone might rightly argue: it’s a formality. Certainly, when you have a fever of 38 degrees, the line becomes irreversibly more pronounced.

When you feel unwell or really unwell but know you can count on someone or something to soothe the pain, the issue changes. 

The War on Drugs is a band formed back in 2005 but with only 3 albums to their name. This latest work can be the right springboard to discover them and do yourself some good. If you love the peace of mind that characterizes Wilco’s rock, you’re in the right notes. Long ballads with a distinctly American roots flavor and makeshift guitars combined with proto-blues rhythms dominate vast shoegazing landscapes.

The man behind the time machine is named Adam Granduciel, and his voice, while reminiscent of the good old Tweedy, manages to remain more detached, allowing the instruments to stand out more, all in favor of greater intimacy and immersion in the melodies. The latter are captivated by sweet synth layers exquisitely mixed with delays from guitars affected by a centuries-old hoarseness. You will find yourself flying through time, letting yourself be carried away by songs that last 7 minutes but seem just a taste of something greater, greater than emotion, that goes beyond feeling, to gently settle on your heart, healing any possible ailment.

This is the good, I’m sure of it.