The War On Drugs I Dont Live Here Anymore review: a soul-stirring epic – NME

Adam Granduciel has taken an open-hearted approach to arena-filling glory. The War On Drugs frontman might cut the rocknroll stereotype all flailing locks and plaid shirts- but hes never bought into the mythology that comes with the role. Instead, the 42-year-old has mastered his craft with obsessive drive, figuring out lifes bumpy road by way of soul-searching Americana.

Granduciel and co. had rounded off a world tour for 2017s A Deeper Understanding, which picked up a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album, when the pandemic arrived luckily Granduciel was already seeking space to create. He also became a father during this period; hes always made deeply spiritual music, so it makes sense the two life-changing events found him more reflective than ever before on fifth album I Dont Live Here Anymore.

The sentiment is confirmed by moving opener Living Proof, which kicks the journey off with reflective keys and a plaintive strum of guitar. With the lyrics, Ive been to the place / That youve tried escaping / I cant recall / Im always changing / Love overflowing, its a hushed ballad that pulses with all the romance and reflection weve come to expect from him.

Harmonias Dream is the first of many blistering anthems that pack the confidence of a band at the peak of their career. It doesnt sound like Granduciel was writing with the bands main stage status in mind, but the album is loaded with tracks ready to conquer them. Take Wasted, a triumphant Springsteen-channeling anthem that feels like American adventure on the open road. Old memories wash up like bittersweet waves on the title track as he softly recalls: We went to see Bob Dylan / We danced to Desolation Row / But I dont live here anymore / And Ive got no place to go. And Rings Around My Fathers Eyes is a soul-stirring anthem that handles the emotions of fatherhood and the depth of human connection.

Its fitting that the album closes with Occasional Rain. The song captures the overarching message at the heart of these songs, which is ultimately about embracing all the stumbles in life. Granduciel courses with all the romance thats made The War On Drugs such an authentic voice: Aint the sky just shades of grey / Until youve seen it from the other side? / Oh, if loving yous the same / Its only some occasional rain.

Some lose sight of their heart and soul on the route to global stardom others take it in their stride. Granduciel recently told NME that music should be filled with wonder, and theres magic everywhere you look on this triumph of an album.

Release date:October 29

Record label:Atlantic

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The War On Drugs I Dont Live Here Anymore review: a soul-stirring epic - NME