ACL Festival Preview: The War on Drugs

Photo Credit: Graham Tolbert

It seem crazy that Austin City Limits Festival is almost upon is but it is. Two weeks from right now the whole thing will be but a memory. That means you have less than two weeks to do all of your homework. Hopefully, if you're reading this blog you are already well aware of The War on Drugs. This Philadelphia-based band makes some of the best straight-ahead rock 'n roll of our generation. Kurt Vile used to be in The War on Drugs but has since split off to become an indie-star in his own right. Slave Ambient is the latest LP from The War on Drugs and it is their best effort to date. It was released last year and the band has been touring in support of it ever since. When I saw them perform at the Mohawk during SXSW this year, their performance was truly transcendent. It is music that will make you want to quit your job and start smoking cigarettes just so you can light up while driving down the open road, the setting sun in your rear view. This is Neil Young music for the modern man.


The War on Drugs - Baby Missiles video via YouTube


Don't take my word for it though, watch The War on Drugs at ACL Fest. They play the Bud Light stage at 2:30pm on Friday, October 12th. It's very early in the festival and could be a great tone-setter for your whole weekend. Their set does overlap with Delta Spirit, which will be a tough choice for some people but as someone who has seen both bands perform live I STRONGLY suggest you choose The War on Drugs.

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Don't Miss the Opening Act: Carter Tanton

Alright y'all, I am late to the party on The War on Drugs I pre-judged them based on their name and assumed they were a metal band. Guess what? They're totally NOT a metal band. In fact, they fit neatly in the indie-rock box that I enjoy listening to. It's not in my favorite box, indie-pop, but they have some great songwriting and an overall interesting and pleasant sound. They will be at Emo's original Red River location tonight in support of their latest LP, Slave Ambient, which has already received high critical praise. I whole-heartedly endorse the new LP and encourage you to grab some tickets for tonight's show.

The War on Drugs - Baby Missiles video via YouTube

As the title of this post implies, I'm also interested in tonight's show for the opening act, Carter Tanton. Doors open at 9p tonight, so you'll have to be there shortly after to catch Carter Tanton's set. He is signed to, local label, Western Vinyl, which has never steered me wrong. Seriously, I can't think of anything released on Western Vinyl that I am not a fan of. Tanton is touring in support of his album, Freeclouds, which features straight-ahead song structures as well as more abstract sound pictures. All in all, it's a great listen and the live show promises to be pretty fantastic. Carter Tanton is also a member of the band Lower Dens and was a member of the band, Tulsa as well, so if you're familiar with and enjoy any of those acts make sure you arrive at Emo's early tonight.

Carter Tanton - Murderous Joy video via YouTube

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