The War on Drugs are back. After four years of silence, the band released “Who’s That” today, their first new song since 2022’s I Don’t Live Here Anymore. The track marks a major return for Adam Granduciel and his group, and the band is about to hit the road for a run of fall shows and festivals.
Granduciel wrote and produced the song at his studio in Burbank, California. He layers six- and 12-string guitars, a Mellotron, and vintage synths into a sweeping sound that is mostly his own work. Bandmates Anthony LaMarca, David Hartley, Robbie Bennett, Jon Natchez, and Eliza Hardy-Jones join him. Additional contributors Alex Fischel of Spoon and Lily Honigberg also appear on the track.
The result feels like the reason the word “anthemic” exists.
Granduciel’s Lyrics Go Deep
Over that backdrop, Granduciel sings with his usual vulnerability. He asks big questions: “Where do I belong?” “Did I blow it?” “Would it be so wrong to be on the take?” He also admits to dark feelings in a direct line: “It’s only my depression, baby.”
His Dylanesque drawl carries the weight of those words.
The Song’s Origin Story
Granduciel described the track’s birth in a statement. “‘Who’s That’ was written in 10 minutes somewhere between first coffee and school drop-off,” he said. “It’s a song about trying to love yourself despite things we can’t always control, like the anxiety, depression and self-doubt that may stand in the way of living the life we truly desire.”
A New Record Is Coming
Granduciel has hinted that more music is on the way. “I’m almost done making a record, and we’re close to the end,” he told Guitar.com this spring. “I wanted to do something that’s not different, necessarily, in terms of the way it sounds, but something that’s trying to get back to the first couple of records I made. So it’s basically fully homemade.”
The Fall 2026 Tour Dates
The band will hit the road soon. Their run of fall shows and festivals starts in September and stretches into October. Here is the full list:
- Sep. 18 — Wilmington, DE @ The Queen
- Sep. 19 — Asbury Park, NJ @ Sea Hear Now 2026
- Sep. 21 — Asheville, NC @ Asheville Yards
- Sep. 23 — Birmingham, AL @ Avondale Brewing Company
- Sep. 24 — Louisville, KY @ Bourbon & Beyond 2026
- Oct. 1 — Salt Lake City, UT @ Twilight Concert Series
- Oct. 2 — Las Vegas, NV @ Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
- Oct. 4 — Austin, TX @ Austin City Music Festival
- Oct. 11 — Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits Music Festival
That is a busy stretch for the band.
What Fans Already Know
Fans who caught this song at recent concerts have heard its power. The tour will give more audiences a chance to hear “Who’s That” in person.
A Song From Daily Life
Granduciel’s statement ties the track to his routine. The song came together quickly, between morning coffee and school drop-off. Its subject is self-acceptance.
The Record’s Direction
Granduciel says the new record is close to finished. He described it as a return to his earlier work, made mostly on his own.
The Band’s Sound
The song layers six- and 12-string guitars with a Mellotron and other vintage synths. Granduciel’s bandmates and additional contributors help build the backing track.
For now, “Who’s That” stands on its own.
The wait is over.
Source: rollingstone.com