The War On Drugs was the featured musical guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Friday, where the group performed “Ocean of Darkness” live for the very first time.
The band is set to release LIVE DRUGS on November 20th, featuring 10 live tracks culled from over five years of touring. This new song, however, also hints at a forthcoming new studio record that would serve as a follow-up to 2017’s A Deeper Understanding.
The War On Drugs’ performance of the new track was shot remotely from the studio and found each member of the alt-rock outfit in their own Brady Brunch square. The song’s simple percussion laid the groundwork for frontman Adam Granduciel‘s lyrics while the beat drove on.
“Once I was eight years old/I’d stare at the ceiling/Get lost in a memory/Remember the feeling/I was tired of waiting/Feeling misunderstood/And now I’m fading away into these oceans of darkness/Come pulling me back for good,” he sang.
With the song’s consistent pace, the focus for the new track shifted to the lyrics. Though his voice was shrouded with various effects, Granduciel’s words about being swept undertow of the oceans of darkness are universal during times that seem endlessly dark.
Watch The War On Drugs debut their new song “Ocean of Darkness” live on Fallon.
The War On Drugs – “Ocean of Darkness”