This is the second EP from Philadelphia-based band The War On Drugs. Their 2008 full-length debut for label Secretly Canadian entitled Wagonwheel Blues became a success and the band began to gain some exposure. That of course could have also been due to band member Kurt Vile's rising fame as a solo artist. On their most recent outing, the band features a revamped lineup, as many original members exited the band. Most importantly, The War On Drugs no longer have Kurt Vile as a member which can be a blessing and a curse. While it's great to be able to namedrop Kurt Vile's name as a former member, parting with one of their main songwriters the band could have easily flopped. Fortunately they came out on top and this new EP is great. The band is easily capable of blending Americana, rock 'n roll, country, folk and pop all into a tight-knit package. There is some nice harmonica work on "Baby Missiles" as well as some nice guitar work and soloing on "Comin' Through", some nice chorus on an acoustic guitar throughout "A Pile Of Trees" and the album ends on an epic 8-minute song entitled "The History Of Plastic". I hope that despite being without Vile that his name-dropping is enough for these guys to continue to be noticed and to give them the ability to carry on without him. This quick EP is only to hold off fans looking for more as apparently a new full-length is on the way. If it happens to sound anything like this, count me in!
www.myspace.com/thewarondrugs
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