The War On Drugs: Future Weather EP

The War On Drugs
Future Weather EP
Secretly Canadian Records [2010]









Fire Note Says: This EP allows The War On Drugs to experiment and still craft their sound all in one place.

Album Review:
Calling this 8 song, almost 30 minute, record from Philly's The War On Drugs an EP may be somewhat of a stretch, so for argument sake we will go with mini-album. The band is currently working on their proper sophomore record, which does allow Future Weather to be governed by EP rules. This simply means that the band can get more experimental, like on the spacey 56 second instrumental opener "Come To The City #14" or the epic 8 minute closer "The History Of Plastic". These more unconventional tracks give Future Weather a uniqueness but the bands strong suit is still creating modern music with a classic rock backbone. That is where lead singer Adam Granduciel's Dylan like vocals shine, as on the upbeat "Baby Missiles" and the swaying "Comin' Through", with its strong lead guitar stealing the show. "Brothers" has a solid Tom Petty vibe that really works for the band and is a great example of how The War On Drugs blend the era's and blend the genres. Future Weather has a pulse and even though some of the more artistic pieces don't completely work, there are plenty of strong songs on here that only raises our anticipation for the proper follow up of Wagonwheel Blues [2008] because The War On Drugs are still offering a sound that not many other bands can pull off.

Key Tracks: "Baby Missiles", "Comin' Through", "Brothers"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Brian Olive
Dire Straits
The Mother Hips

The War On Drugs: Wagonwheel Blues [Fire Note Review 7/23/08]

Official War On Drugs Website
The War On Drugs MySpace
The War On Drugs Facebook
Secretly Canadian Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony