The War On Drugs - Wagonwheel Blues

The War On Drugs- Wagonwheel Blues
 7/10

Philadelphia prog rockers The War On Drugs originally bonded over a shared love of Bob Dylan and it shows on this, their début record. Perhaps not directly, but the bands channelling of ’70s inspired classic rock sets them on a steady path of success. Wagonwheel Blues is an easy, un-challenging listen, but it’s pleasant enough to hold your attention, even if played in the background. Their mix of jangly guitars and standard rock percussion sound familiar, as do singer Adam Granduciel’s vocals with their uncanny similarity to Tom Petty. However while the majority of the tracks stay quite plain, relying heavily on good musicianship and passionate songwriting, one song does stand out. ‘There Is No Urgency’ breaks the classic rock mould, circumventing the guitars in waves of distortion and riding along on cruisy laid back rhythms. It’s the one track where the band seems to be experimenting, and poses the question of why didn’t they experiment a little more on other tracks? ‘A Needle In Your Eye #16 sends out a signal of Bruce Springsteen, with a stadium sound that’s very bold and full of life. Unfortunately you come away from Wagonwheel Blues wondering if the band really reached it’s full potential. There seems to be elements of experimentation, but it feels like the band is holding something back, perhaps playing it safe for their first release. With time to grow, The War On Drugs definitely have the potential to produce a more expansive record.
Nick