Slave Ambient
by The War on Drugs
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 38 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 38
  3. Negative: 2 out of 38
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  1. Acid3P
    Feb 18, 2022
    8
    A very, very really very enjoyable album, with the best production and sound in The War on Drugs discography to date.
  2. Ricko
    Jan 7, 2022
    7
    I listened to this retrospectively, having come across the band in the late 2010's. While relatively underdeveloped, "Slave Ambient" has a lot of the hallmarks of what is now their established sound. It's a strange album in that there are songs without traditional song structures. I can't recall a single chorus once it's finished but when your listening to the record it is quite immersive.
  3. MCRR
    Apr 21, 2015
    7
    A strong soporific album with easily identifiable influences, namely; The Boss, Dylan and The Waterboys, Kurt Vile's influence clearly remains. This is 'slacker-rock' meets modern rock with a little shake of late 80's indie. A well delivered slice of sound providing the listener with a refreshing breeze of ambience, Slave Ambience.
  4. j30
    Nov 23, 2011
    8
    This record kind of reminds me of Urban Hymes by the Verve, without the catchy grooves. Being catchy doesn't necessarily mean it's bad or good. In this case, it's very good.
  5. pandachrist
    Sep 1, 2011
    10
    A lot of great bands have put out records this year. This album is hands down, my favorite! If you are a fan of Kurt Vile, I can't see you not adoring this. It's very different yet you can tell they have played together for several years and their influences rub off on each other in so many different and amazing ways! Fantastic band puts out a fantastic record!
  6. MooziikMaster
    Aug 19, 2011
    9
    July and August have been pretty boring music wise. This is the best thing I've heard this summer. It kind of reminds me of a cross between Cut Copy and Kurt Vile (check them out!). Considering all of the crappy pop music this year, this album shows that maybe there is hope for music. The same goes for albums like Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes, No Color by The Dodos, Kiss Each OtherJuly and August have been pretty boring music wise. This is the best thing I've heard this summer. It kind of reminds me of a cross between Cut Copy and Kurt Vile (check them out!). Considering all of the crappy pop music this year, this album shows that maybe there is hope for music. The same goes for albums like Helplessness Blues by Fleet Foxes, No Color by The Dodos, Kiss Each Other Clean by Iron & Wine, Whokill by tUnE-yArDs, etc. Very experimental, very moving. Good job.… Expand
  7. Martim_Durao
    Aug 19, 2011
    8
    Well, all i can say is that they are the new Stone Roses. How great is that? I say it is very great to experience experimental grooves that are so well mixed-up and with a purpose.
  8. musicmaster2273
    Aug 17, 2011
    8
    This album has to be the best new album I've listened to in the last couple of weeks. Their first album seemed kind of shaky and overly experimental, but this album does the first one justice. The electronics and rhythmic guitar make this a overall worthy musical experience. Adam Granduciel has shown that there is still rock and roll alive in the 2010's, it just has a new, more modern sound.

Awards & Rankings

80
#80 Best Album of 2011

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. The Guardian
    Jan 4, 2012
    80
    Slave Ambient makes a triumph of the unlikely premise that US heartland rock and Krautrock would mix like old friends.... A wonderful record.
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  2. The Observer (UK)
    Jan 4, 2012
    60
    He sounds like Bob Dylan or Tom Petty when he sings – laconic, nasal, matter of fact – but his songs thrum and drone and hum like, well, loose ambient rock.
    Read full review
  3. Delusions of Adequacy
    Sep 23, 2011
    80
    Crafted with a strong presence in realizing the sequencing and tracking through it all, it unquestionably rewards with repeated listens.
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