The War on Drugs

A Deeper Understanding (The Label)

Pennsylvania’s contemporary kings of alt-rock were always going to have a challenge topping 2014’s phenomenal Lost in the Dream. A fine blend of shoegaze, krautrock, Americana and neo-psychedelia, the album was one of the best from that year and will go down as one of modern rock’s greatest records. A Deeper Understanding doesn’t depart too dramatically from that sound with many of the same elements that made Lost so stunning. Thinking of a Place is one of the best singles this year – lush guitars and keys take you on an 11-minute journey through a sonic landscape of beautiful nostalgia. Opener Up All Night has a dancy electronic edge to it with a driving beat and repetitive synth melodies. Strangest Thing isa Springsteen-esque epic. Driven by multiinstrumentalist and producer Adam Granduciel, ADU takes you to heartland America – you’ve got the top down, the sun’s setting and your lover is by your side. In other words this is a summertime record with a slight rustic charm. Granduciel and Co leave you craving for the best days of your life (both past and future). With plenty of banality in modern rock The War on Drugs continue to be one of the most exciting bands on the planet. - Hugh Collins