After a string of raucous US dates in anticipation of the release of “Wagonwheel Blues”, The War on Drugs is getting geared up for August UK/EU dates. “Wagonwheel Blues” came out in the UK on June 2.
08/08/08 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso
08/09/08 Venlo, Netherlands – Zomerparkfeest
08/10/08 Courcelles (, Belgium -La Posterie
08/11/08 London, UK – The Old Blue Last
08/12/08 London, UK – Club Fandango at Dublin Castle
08/13/08 Farnham, UK – The William Cobbett
08/14/08 London, UK – Cargo w/ Cave Singers & O Death
08/15/08 Crickhowell, South Wales – Green Man Festival
08/16/08 Yeovil, UK – Orange Box
08/17/08 Dublin, Ireland – Crawdaddy
08/18/08 Bristol, UK – Thekla Social
08/20/08 Brixton, UK – Windmill w/ Bowerbirds
” ‘Wagonwheel’ is no period piece: it’s got some 80s big-drum heroics and Eno-esque ambience to tangle the time line, and Graduciel’s lyrics explore the timeless war between hope and disillusionment with such giddiness it’s unclear which side he favors to win”
– CHICAGO READER
“Americana for the Brian Eno set, Philadelphia’s The War On Drugs lets crisp folk and country textures tumble through guitar-anchored studio swirls”
– PAPER THIN WALLS
“The War On Drugs made a totally serious album, shimmering and sprawling- it’s as inspiring as it is exhausting and dense”- FADER
“This wall of sound isn’t impenetrable, because atop it sit the stadium-friendly Springsteenisms of frontman Adam Ganduciel, whose wit and wordplay add a whole new depth to the proceedings. Opener ‘Arms Like Boulders’ sets out his stall with a cryptic critique of neo-con America, while on highlight ‘Needle In Your Eye’ he sounds incredibly like the amphetamine-addled Bob Dylan of ’66 fronting the Jesus And Mary Chain”
– Nathaniel Cramp NME
Top-down, pitch-perfect car-radio rock
Only Americans can make music like this: blue sky and widescreen, feel good – bug with a sting. Philly-based debutants The War On Drugs have got it down to a tee here, a blend of ’70s AM rock, nostalgia, cosmic country and Tom Petty. “Show Me The Coast” is a long, drawn-out Petty homage, but the key track is “A Needle In Your Eye #16″ which with the Ronettes-drums, Suicide keyboard and road trip lyrics, owes such a debt to Springsteen, the Boss should include it on his next setlist”
– Peter Shepherd – 4 Stars- UNCUT
John Sargeant, writing on NeuFutur as Sargeant, is the founder and editor-in-chief of NeuFutur Magazine, where he has covered independent music, PC hardware, consumer tech, and gaming culture since 1998. With over 25 years of continuous digital publishing experience, he has written thousands of hands-on game and record reviews, conducted in-depth hardware field testing, and analyzed digital media monetization trends. His work prioritizes first-hand evaluation and long-term product testing.
Beats: Independent Music, PC Gaming & Peripherals, Consumer Tech, Webmaster Tools
Testing & Ethics: All hardware, software, and media reviews are conducted through hands-on evaluation in accordance with NeuFutur’s editorial independence standards; sponsored consideration is strictly excluded from editorial ratings.
Contact: editor@neufutur.com