Customer Reviews

Wagonwheel Blues

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is an excellent debut from a band that will hopefully gain more exposure in the near future. The War on Drugs combine an Americana influence with a little bit of guitar experimentation. It's great summer music, and it totally kicks butt. It makes me smile every time I listen to it.

The War on Drugs is littered with pleasant contradictions. That goes for the U.S. government's real "War on Drugs" as well as this band from the delightfully trashy musical playground that is Philadelphia. The group combines a refreshing plethora of completely distinctive sound combinations like, for instance, Sonic Youth coupled with Tom Petty. Lush guitars hearken back to early Bruce Springsteen while dreamy vocals ring reminiscent of The Jesus and Mary Chain. Synth-soaked and audibly fulfilling, The War on Drugs will, quite possibly, attract many a Clap Your Hands Say Yeah fan as well as aficionados of shows that leave your ears ringing for days. Their classic yet modern debut album Wagonwheel Blues, released by Secretly Canadian in June, yields thick, textured soundscapes that might serve as a fitting soundtrack for those times when you're sticking your head out the car window on the highway.

Give it a listen for yourself. The entire album is generally repeated a few times in my player before I finally force myself to change albums for variety. Yes, Dylan is a big influence, and that's one of the things I like about it! It's a great road trip album, as is their following EP, "Future Weather". Take some time to enjoy it!

To balance out the 1 star review I'm forced to submit a 5 star rating. Worthy of a 4.10 minimum.

The War on Drugs is quite simply mesmerizing. They manage to capture that innocent, lo-fi indie sound without coming off as trying too hard.

I have yet to introduce the WoD to any of my friends that like that mellow, sweeping style of music and have them not completely fall in love with their charm. Go buy Wagonwheel Blues, it's good for you.

The title suggests roots rock.

A quick sampling suggests avant guard Dylan.

A full listening exposes a paucity of ideas, musical and lyrical.

This is a waste of time.