In The Mix Live: The War on Drugs

Slave Ambient, the second album from Philadelphia's The War On Drugs, is one of the standout releases of 2011. It's a rich, restless road record that hurtles forward casting a hazy, hypnotic spell, as layer upon layer of textured guitar sound builds up a shimmering backdrop to leader Adam Granduciel's Dylany vocals.

Last month, Granduciel and his War on Drugs bandmates - Dave Hartley on bass, Robbie Bennett on keyboards and guitar and Stephen Urgo on drums - came to Range Recording studios in Ardmore for an In The Mix Live session. The Fishtown quartet sat down for an interview, and played three songs, including "Comin' Through," from 2010's Barrel Of Batteries EP, which is embedded below.

All three songs, plus the interview, are available exclusively on the apps for the Inquirer for the iPad and the Inquirer Arnova tablet. Look for more from the In The Mix session on philly.com this coming week.

My interview with Granduciel that was published in the Inquirer back in August when Slave Ambient was first released is here, and there's more about the album, which is on my Top Ten list for 2011 in my year end story in the Sunday Inquirer A & E section, which is here.

The War On Drugs play Union Transfer on Saturday Dec. 17, with Sun Airway and Ape School.

Previously: Songs of 2011 Follow In The Mix on Twitter here