Tonight’s Concert Pick: The War On Drugs’ record-release show at Johnny Brenda’s

Philly’s own The War On Drugs may be without co-founder Kurt Vile these days, but that hasn’t stopped the band from putting out its most powerful record to date. Slave Ambient, released earlier this week (via Secretly Canadian), is The War On Drugs’ anthem to two of its greatest influences: no-nonsense American rock and glimmering shoegaze. It’s the kind of album that melds together; it’s meant to be listened to as one piece and not as 12 separate parts. Though the album’s most notable tracks are ones that were previously released on the Future Weather EP, the record still feels like a unified whole—and it’s a whole that makes for a perfect soundtrack to your next dusty, summer road trip. The War On Drugs performs with Caveman and Tin Horses at 9 p.m. at Johnny Brenda’s; tickets to the 21+ show are $12.

Make sure to check out our recent Key Studio Session with The War On Drugs’ Adam Granduciel (featuring a solo acoustic set).

Also playing: WXPN Welcomes Tedeschi Trucks Band + Steve Earle at Tower Theater (7 p.m., $40–$142); Creepoid + Shores, The Diamond Center, Arches at Kung Fu Necktie (7:30 p.m., 21+, $8)