The War on Drugs — with Adam Granduciel, pictured — plays Seattle Friday. Photo by Dusdin Condren.
From songwriting savants (Kurt Vile) to psych-pop troupes (Dr. Dog), punk stalwarts (Pissed Jeans) and noisy newcomers (Purling Hiss), Philadelphia’s music scene — at least from afar — seems to be having a moment.
With their latest, “Lost in the Dream,” The War on Drugs — headlining The Neptune Theatre Friday — continues this impressive run.
There’s some Bob Dylan in bandleader Adam Granduciel’s tumbling lilt, some Tom Petty in his fist-pumping choruses, but long-form material like “Under the Pressure,” below, “An Ocean in Between the Waves” (listen) and “In Reverse” (listen) shows off a crisp, propulsive streak all his own.
The Neptune’s top-tier acoustics, perfect sightlines and cozy setting are apt fits for Granduciel’s rich, resonant songs — and the overwhelming acclaim “Dream” has received since coming out last week suggests he and his bandmates aren’t long for such friendly confines.
The War on Drugs, White Laces9 p.m. Friday at The Neptune Theatre, 1303 NE 45th St., Seattle; $18-20 (877-784-4849 or
stgpresents.org)