CD reviews: The War on Drugs

Jimmy Iovine, a man who knows a bit about success (he has produced albums by Bruce Springsteen and U2, co-founded Interscope Records and, more recently, set up Apple Music) once stated The War On Drugs should be gigantic.

On the evidence of the fourth album by this former Philadelphia, now Los Angeles-based outfit, it’s hard to disagree as guitarist/vocalist Adam Granduciel and company stretch the idea of the widescreen epic even further.

Electric guitars chime and drone (the excellent Strangest Thing); and wurlitzers and synths (Pain) are affixed to sinewy melodies that are timeless yet fresh.

Single download: Holding On

For those who like: Bruce Hornsby, Robbie Robertson, The Waterboys — Shane Gilchrist

The War On Drugs. A Deeper Understanding. Atlantic Records. ★★★★+