The War On Drugs
The War on Drugs is an American indie rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, formed in 2005. The band consists of Adam Granduciel (lyrics, vocals, guitar), David Hartley (bass), Robbie Bennett (keyboards), Charlie Hall (drums), Jon Natchez (saxophone, keyboards) and Anthony LaMarca (guitar).
Founded by close collaborators Granduciel and Kurt Vile, The War on Drugs released their debut studio album, Wagonwheel Blues, in 2008. Vile departed shortly after its release to focus on his solo career. The band’s second studio album Slave Ambient was released in 2011 to favourable reviews and extensive touring.
Granduciel and Vile began playing together as The War on Drugs in 2005. Regarding the band’s name, Granduciel noted,
“My friend Julian and I came up with it a few years ago over a couple bottles of red wine and a few typewriters when we were living in Oakland. We were writing a lot back then, working on a dictionary, and it just came out and we were like “hey, good band name” so eventually when I moved to Philadelphia and got a band together I used it. It was either that or The Rigatoni Danzas. I think we made the right choice. I always felt though that it was the kind of name I could record all sorts of different music under without any sort of predictability inherent in the name”.
The band’s third album, Lost in the Dream, was released in 2014 following extensive touring and a period of loneliness and depression for primary songwriter Granduciel. The album was released to widespread critical acclaim and increased exposure. Previous collaborator Charlie Hall joined the band as its full-time drummer during the recording process, with saxophonist Jon Natchez and additional guitarist Anthony LaMarca accompanying the band for its world tour. The band released their fourth album, A Deeper Understanding in 2017.
Catch The War On Drugs on the following dates…
Monday 29 January – Albert Park Precinct | Auckland, NZ
Friday 2nd February – Hart’s Mill | Adelaide, SA
Saturday 3 February – Footscray Community Arts Centre And The River’s Edge | Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 4 February – Sydney College Of The Arts And Callan Park | Sydney, NSW
Tuesday 6 February – Enmore Theatre | Sydney, NSW
Wednesday 7 February – Enmore Theatre | Sydney, NSW
Saturday 10 February – Brisbane Showgrounds | Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 11 February – Esplanade Reserve And West End | Fremantle, WA
Tuesday 13 February – Forum Theatre | Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 14 February – Forum Theatre | Melbourne, VIC
Tickets from the St Jerome Laneway Festival website
