The War On Drugs, a Philadelphia band led by charismatic frontman, shaman, talented guitarist and arranger Adam Granduciel, is back with the album Slave Ambient. After one album and one EP, it was clear that these musicians were obsessed with the idea of building monumental pieces of uncompromising rock. They do even better on this new record. With the help of Philadelphia's best musicians: Dave Hartley, Robbie Bennett, Mike Zanghi and Jeff Ziegler (in his studio in Asheville, NC), Granduciel spent four years perfecting these 47 minutes. Where one would expect guitars, keyboards arrive, and country-rock takes flight only to fall back into 80s pop. Each song has its own energy and ideas. The whole remains very coherent and true.