Following the profound journey of self-discovery with “A Deeper Understanding,” Adam Granduciel found himself at a creative crossroads. It seemed as though he had exhausted every avenue in his quest to push the boundaries of The War On Drugs’ sound after their breakthrough album “Lost In The Dream” in 2014. The songs sprawled with intricate layers and dense ideas, sometimes to the point of being impenetrable. While maintaining the band’s signature hallucinogenic rock essence, Granduciel possessed the means to amplify the epic scale further. Yet, there lingered a concern of diminishing returns, the risk of the music collapsing under its own weight.
However, rather than traversing the same sonic terrain, Granduciel chose a different path. Drawing upon the precise sonic craftsmanship honed in “Lost In The Dream” and “A Deeper Understanding,” he redirected his focus towards music that was more restrained and direct. The anticipation surrounding The War On Drugs’ latest release, “I Don’t Live Here Anymore,” was palpable, perhaps unmatched by any previous album, given the meteoric rise from “Lost In The Dream” to the Grammy-winning “A Deeper Understanding.” With their new offering, they once again lived up to the hype.
“I Don’t Live Here Anymore” embodies the album that fans had hoped Granduciel would produce following his last two releases. While much has been said about Granduciel’s attempt to shed his perfectionist label, this album does indeed feel looser in some aspects. Yet, it remains rich in complexity, albeit in a more streamlined and compact form. The result is a synth-infused, brighter, and punchier iteration of The War On Drugs’ music, marrying the band’s earlier expansiveness with the later albums’ atmospheric finesse.
The album opens with “Living Proof,” a subdued introduction that belies the energetic onslaught that follows. Tracks like “Harmonia’s Dream” and “I Don’t Wanna Wait” encapsulate the band’s psychedelic essence while venturing into new sonic territories. “Victim” delves into moody, spacey realms, while “Old Skin” seamlessly transitions from restrained piano melodies to Tom Petty-esque rockers. Each song on the album captivates, with “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” emerging as a standout track, marked by its infectious energy and Granduciel’s impassioned vocals.
A notable evolution on “I Don’t Live Here Anymore” is Granduciel’s lyrical prowess. While retaining the band’s thematic motifs of roads, darkness, and trains, there is a newfound sharpness and specificity in his writing. Themes of fatherhood and mortality permeate the album, reflecting Granduciel’s own experiences and introspections. Despite positive life changes, there’s an underlying melancholy, a yearning for something elusive, perhaps best exemplified by the album’s title track.
Throughout the album, the theme of change recurs, with Granduciel grappling with its inevitability. Yet, amidst the existential musings, there is a sense of optimism, a belief in the transformative power of life’s experiences. “Occasional Rain” concludes the album on a hopeful note, reminding listeners that storms pass, leaving behind a resilient foundation.
“I Don’t Live Here Anymore” stands as a testament to The War On Drugs’ evolution over the years. While each album has its fervent admirers, this latest offering feels like the culmination of a decade-long journey, where everything comes together in a harmonious blend of sound and emotion. For many, myself included, it is their finest work yet, a testament to the band’s enduring relevance and artistry.