Album Review: The War on Drugs- Lost in a Dream

Adam Granduciel, the singer-songwriter behind the Philadelphia-based quintet, "The War on Drugs," delivers a remarkably reflective and distinguished album in the band's third full-length release, Lost in a Dream.  From the opening track, "Under the Pressure," to the album's finale, "In Reverse," Granduciel and his band mates create a sonic landscape that blends modern production with stripped-down, genuine, soulful Americana arrangements.   Pairing these arrangements with Granduciel's reflective lyrics and stellar guitar play creates an extraordinary record that, in its own way, embodies a microcosm of modern America in 2014, blending together electronic soundsc with roots rock to create something fresh. Simply summed up, Lost in a Dream serves as a reminder to us all that despite all of the modern inventions and innovations, (hash tags, selfies, text-speak, tweets, etc.) we are essentially human beings longing for acceptance, belonging  and a sense of purpose.

From "Under the pressure, like the arrival of a new day" to "like a light that's drifting, in reverse I'm moving," Granduciel book ends his opus with a sense of reflection and contemplation.    Along the way, tunes such as the uptempo "Red Eyes," the sweeping "An Ocean Between Waves" the hopeful "Eyes to the Wind" and the arena rocking "Burning" draw you in to appreciate the journey.  As many other critics have commented on, Granduciel's effort echoes influences from exceptional singer-songwriters who achieved their peak success in past eras-- most notably, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, Mark Knopfler, and even to an extent Jeff Tweedy.

Lost in a Dream is an album that is enjoyable both as a whole piece as well as in its respective parts.  Each of the tunes stand alone as songs, but put together create a more conceptual composition.  To quote a fellow musician and fan, Kevin Gonring, "Granduciel's meticulousness in his keyboard and synthscape, as well as what he's running his guitars through creates an overall aura on the record."  This aura keeps the themes consistent throughout the album.  Lost in a Dream in many ways is an album full of slight sonic nuances which keep you coming back for more after each listen.  

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