Editing The War on Drugs (section)

== Formation ==

Adam Granduciel and Kurt Vile founded The War on Drugs in Philadelphia in 2005, both musicians bringing lo-fi aesthetics and classic rock influences to a partnership that would evolve into one of independent rock's most successful acts. The early band operated in Philadelphia's indie scene, building audiences through local performances while Granduciel developed the production approach that would eventually distinguish their sound. The city's musical environment, supportive of experimentation and unfussed about genre boundaries, provided context for a band whose influences ranged from Bob Dylan to Neu!.<ref name="petrusich">{{cite book |last=Petrusich |first=Amanda |title=Do Not Sell at Any Price: The Wild, Obsessive Hunt for the World's Rarest 78rpm Records |year=2014 |publisher=Scribner |location=New York}}</ref>

Vile departed in 2008 to focus on his solo career, leaving Granduciel as the band's primary creative force. The transition, though initially challenging, ultimately enabled Granduciel to develop the expansive production style that characterizes their breakthrough recordings. The band's lineup has shifted over the years, with Granduciel remaining the constant while collaborators contribute to recordings and live performances that realize his vision.<ref name="reynolds"/>

Their early albums, "Wagonwheel Blues" (2008) and "Slave Ambient" (2011), established their sound while building critical reputation that would support later commercial success. "Slave Ambient" in particular demonstrated the dense, layered production that Granduciel was developing, its combination of driving rhythms with atmospheric textures creating a sound that felt simultaneously familiar and innovative.<ref name="petrusich"/>