War on Drugs Return with New Song 'Who's That?
· food
Silence Broken: A New Song from an Old Friend
The War on Drugs have been a staple of indie rock for over a decade, their atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics captivating listeners worldwide. Adam Granduciel’s creative output had seemed to slow in recent years, but his band’s last studio album, I Don’t Live Here Anymore, dropped in 2021.
The new song “Who’s That?” marks the first time we’ve heard from Granduciel and his cohorts in four years. Written in a blistering 10 minutes between coffee and school drop-off, this single demonstrates the band’s continued creative momentum.
In an era marked by self-doubt and mental health concerns, Granduciel’s lyrics offer a rare and valuable perspective. “Who’s That?” is a song about loving oneself despite anxiety, depression, and self-doubt that often hinder living life on one’s own terms. This message resonates deeply with younger listeners struggling to navigate the pressures of adulthood.
The accompanying music video, directed by Max Flick, is striking in its stark black-and-white aesthetic. Granduciel and his bandmates perform with an air of quiet intensity, their instruments weaving together in a hypnotic pattern. The overall effect is hauntingly beautiful, like a dream fragment come to life.
Fans have been waiting patiently for this moment, and now that it’s here, they can look forward to several festival dates through the end of October. But “Who’s That?” is more than just a new song from an old favorite; it’s also a powerful reminder of music’s enduring ability to capture our collective mood.
The War on Drugs have always been a band of outsiders, their sound often described as sprawling and experimental. In this moment of global uncertainty, they offer a refreshing respite from the noise and chaos that surrounds us. “Who’s That?” is a triumph not just for Granduciel and his collaborators but also for music itself – a testament to its power to heal, console, and give voice to our deepest anxieties.
As we move forward into an uncertain future, it’s clear that the War on Drugs will continue to be one of the most vital and important bands in indie rock. With “Who’s That?” as their latest offering, they’re more relevant than ever – a beacon of hope for those who need it most.
The music world is full of nostalgia-tinged revivals and retro-futurism, but the War on Drugs have always been ahead of the curve. They’ve never been afraid to take risks or push the boundaries of what’s possible in their sound. With “Who’s That?”, they remind us that sometimes all it takes is a spark of creativity – and a dash of courage – to create something truly remarkable.
In this moment, “Who’s That?” is an invitation to join a larger conversation about love, self-acceptance, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. And if we’re lucky, this may be only the beginning of a new chapter for one of our most beloved bands.
Reader Views
- PMPat M. · home cook
It's refreshing to see Adam Granduciel and the War on Drugs returning with music that tackles mental health head-on. However, let's not forget that their atmospheric soundscapes have often been criticized for being overly indulgent and inaccessible to casual listeners. With "Who's That?", will they be able to strike a balance between creativity and commercial appeal? The song's lyrics are undeniably relatable, but the band's music has always walked a fine line between artistry and obscurity - it remains to be seen if this new single marks a genuine evolution or just another iteration of their signature style.
- TKThe Kitchen Desk · editorial
While The War on Drugs' return is certainly welcome news, it's worth noting that their signature sound has also led to accusations of sonic self-indulgence. As much as Granduciel's lyrics offer a beacon of hope for fans struggling with anxiety and depression, the band's sprawling arrangements can sometimes make it difficult to discern exactly what they're saying. With this new single, it'll be interesting to see how they strike a balance between atmospheric soundscapes and clear lyrical focus – a challenge that will likely determine their continued relevance in an increasingly crowded indie rock landscape.
- CDChef Dani T. · line cook
While I'm thrilled to see The War on Drugs back in action, I wish the article had dug deeper into how this new song fits into the band's larger discography and thematic concerns. As a long-time fan, I've always appreciated Adam Granduciel's penchant for lyrical ambiguity, but "Who's That?" seems to strike a particularly bold note of vulnerability. Can we expect a more cohesive exploration of mental health and self-doubt in their upcoming album? The silence between releases may have been deliberate, but it's clear that Granduciel has been quietly working through some heavy stuff.