The War On Drugs ap...
 

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Adam Granduciel can do no wrong in my eyes right now. I loved Lost in the Dream, but the latest album (A Deeper Understanding) somehow hits even higher.

His song-craft and guitar playing are just superb. In fact, as good as it gets by any modern standard. The wall of sound the band manages to create is mind blowing at times. And they've even made baritone sax seem cool!

Just amazing.

Check out the full length recent concert in Amsterdam on youtube - a perfect Friday night accompaniment.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 3:57 pm
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Big fan here too, in fact listening to a Spotify compilation earlier today.

And lucky lucky me (and others) they're announced as headlining Greenman this year. Woo!


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 3:59 pm
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Sweet.

I have a ticket for All Points East this summer. They are on between Future Islands and The National.

A line-up that we simply couldnt refuse.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:03 pm
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They are on between Future Islands and The National.

*spaff*


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:04 pm
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You seen Future Island live? Sam Herring is a hella front-man.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:08 pm
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Yes, caught them at Greenman last year. Great show man.

Check out his performance on Letterman on youtube for nuts energy.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:11 pm
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BTW my "Set of the festival" from greenman 2017 was Lift to Experience.

Completely un-repeatable. They almost dont exist but put in an awesome wall of sound performance.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:12 pm
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Thanks, ill check them out.

Yes, the Letterman performance was great, it was the Later with Jools one which solidly caught my attention - one of the best I've ever seen on the show

Just checked the Greenman line-up - looks superb! I'd be there if it wasn't for MrsSlim being due to drop MiniSlim that week 🙂

Be sure to check out Beak at Greenman if you haven't heard much of them, saw them in Berlin last year supporting Arcade Fire and they had a great sound (Portishead member side project).


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:17 pm
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Sweet.

I have a ticket for All Points East this summer. They are on between Future Islands and The National.

A line-up that we simply couldnt refuse.

Same here! And Green Man too. All sounds awesome till you realise I have to look at the Malvern Sasquatch every morning exiting from the temporary cave we have to dig for him. 🐻

Luckily this year, we’re allowed to have him off the long chain as his recall has improved.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:25 pm
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When I first heard TWOD I thought that they were a Springsteen tribute act but having heard more they do appear to be quite good


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:27 pm
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I have no idea what you are talking about DD, but it sounds fun.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:28 pm
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Cheers_drive - thats the spirit! Yes, the Springsteen flavour is there but they are so much more than that. You have to get into their flow and once you do, you're hooked.

Honestly, turn the lighting low, and soundsystem up - have a nice couple of large whisky's or brandy's, and maybe a special cigarette or two and give that concert I linked a good go. I've transcended to it.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:29 pm
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I have no idea what you are talking about DD, but it sounds fun.

Ah, my bad.

The Malvern Sasquatch is what everybody in real life knows Stoner as. 🙂


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:32 pm
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I love how he dances as he signs. That's how I do it when drunk.

Esp the "weighing my heavy balls" one.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:36 pm
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This is Lift to Experience at Greenman.

Mobile phone video just cant do it justice.

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Posted : 02/02/2018 4:39 pm
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You have to get into their flow and once you do, you’re hooked.

^This!

On the surface all the songs sound a little bland and samey. But after a while it just seeps under your skin.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 4:40 pm
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Yup.

Its something to do with the ever-present synth notes, and the sound of Adam's guitar is so very lush - plus the way they draw out the breaks for ages. They turn good 3:30 songs into 6 to 7 min epics.

Sometimes they remind me of how great comedians can start a good joke, then go off on a complete tangent, only to come back to the original punchline minutes later, and have you in stitches because you'd forgotten how funny the start of the story was. It's a musical equivalent of that. Or something.

I'm rambling.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 5:05 pm
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A Deeper Understading waaa the best album of last year by a country mile IMHO

Springstein-esque gorgeousness


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 5:10 pm
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slimjim78

Adam Granduciel can do no wrong in my eyes right now. I loved Lost in the Dream, but the latest album (A Deeper Understanding) somehow hits even higher.

His song-craft and guitar playing are just superb. In fact, as good as it gets by any modern standard. The wall of sound the band manages to create is mind blowing at times. And they’ve even made baritone sax seem cool!


Spot on slimjim.

Some heavy shit on A deeper understanding, but I reckon the back half is a bit weak [save the last track] compared to Requim, which is really even all through.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 5:40 pm
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Definitely with you on TWOD, big fan here.

Still struggling with Future Islands. I get close at times and then something pushes me away.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 6:12 pm
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Sounds like there will be quite a few STWers at Green Man.  We bought our tickets last Thursday knowing nothing about it, except we went to Beautiful Days last year and fancied something similar but without the electric fiddles.  Might be interested in some hips and tints, sorry, tips and hints. ( Where's the strikethrough gone) nearer the time


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 6:18 pm
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That Future Islands clip above - wow!!!!!!

Not come across them before, but I'll definitely be checking more of their stuff out.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 6:28 pm
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Might be interested in some hips and tints, sorry, tips and hints. ( Where’s the strikethrough gone) nearer the time

Which car park are you in?


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 6:56 pm
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Orange.  The blue was fully booked an hour after general release tickets went on sale.  I guess blue is better.

We'll have a van and I'll make a trolley.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 7:37 pm
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Yeah, you’ll be in for a bit of a walk but it’s worth it. Really good festival. Anyway, don’t want to derail slimjim’s thread - start a thread in August and plenty of us here will chip in. (I’ve only been once!)


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 7:51 pm
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Been loving the WOD and FI last year, hadn't seen that Jools Holland performance before. Bloody hell he's got some charisma! Watched it three times now


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 8:22 pm
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He certainly has charisma, no dispute there. Its the vocal style that seems to push me away.

I think its a West of Scotland thing, where I'm from. Reminds me too much of:

Its probably just me.


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 8:29 pm
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I'm in! I properly love these albums & Slave Ambient, would be very happy with just TWOD albums on my desert island if forced to choose 🙂


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 9:32 pm
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I like them...

but...they sound like

The Waterboys....


 
Posted : 02/02/2018 9:48 pm
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I thought they (FI)were possibly a Scottish band when I first heard them 🙂


 
Posted : 03/02/2018 9:50 am
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I have tickets to see WoD in Brooklyn next week! Get in!


 
Posted : 28/03/2018 3:33 pm
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Sorry for dragging up a tired thread, but I have to add, WoD in Brooklyn was easily one of the best shows I have ever attended.

If you are on the fence over seeing them anytime soon, I strongly advise that you do!.

I even got to chat with Adam's mom & dad, who were right in front of me in the VIP area (perks of a pregnant OH).

I was struck by how they sounded even better live than on recordings, Adams vocals are much clearer and more distinct, and watching him own the guitar breaks whilst he wrings impossible tones out of it really is something to behold. A sublime band.

Also some of the best lighting I've ever witnessed at a show. To the point where I felt obliged to thanks the mixing guys after the show. Good feels all round.


 
Posted : 17/04/2018 12:36 pm
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A wee video I took from Saturdays show in Victoria Park.

Euphoric atmosphere. So glad to see so many like minded folk singing/dancing along. (and yes thats me whooping in the background)


 
Posted : 04/06/2018 3:59 pm
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I've seen TWOD and Future Islands live twice now.

Future Islands are on another level live, simply fantastic from start to finish.

I found the lead singer of TWOD a bit up himself, might be wrong but that's how I remember feeling. I love their music though.

If you get a chance to see Future Islands then take it.


 
Posted : 04/06/2018 4:15 pm
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Given your view jamj, I reckon I was stood only a matter of yards away. I really enjoyed the set. I think the weather and a nice all day beer buzz helped. 🙂


 
Posted : 04/06/2018 4:37 pm
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I saw Future Island in Brighton last year, and about an hour before TWoD played last week 🙂

Definitely excellent, but even better in a smaller arena.

I think TWoD lead singer/guitarist (Adam Granduciel) is just perma-happy (it's been a long road to success), which can come across a bit 'why's he always smiling?..' From other footage I've seen and comments at shows I reckon he's a dude.

DD - glad you enjoyed the atmosphere! I got chatting to a bunch of really nice lads who can't have been over 20yo - all completely into the music and knowing of the lyrics - one even had an Arcade Fire tattoo (in response to my Arcade Fire t-shirt), and he asked me which was my favourite Radiohead album.. he wasn't even born when it was produced (!).

Gives me hope for the sustained future of decent music when I come across young lads like them with such passion for the music.


 
Posted : 07/06/2018 12:33 pm

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