Through their first several albums, The War on Drugs always seemed like a bit of a blank canvas on which listeners could imprint their favorite North American rock influences. If you want to hear Dylan or Young or Springsteen (oh so much Springsteen), it’s all in there. Famed record producer Jimmy Iovine told Billboard that they should be “gigantic.” There’s a reason they weren’t: The pristine technical execution and perfectionism of The War on Drugs’ Adam Granduciel, who writes, sings, and plays much of the music on their records, left their music a touch sterile. A Deeper Understanding, the band’s first record for major label Atlantic Records, warms up Granduciel’s meticulous compositions by making them even bigger. The songs are more expansive than ever before, like wide-open California landscapes begging for rolled down windows and deep breaths. Even the quiet moments feel designed to make the back row of a stadium feel intimate. Born out of self-reflection, A Deeper Understanding stays true to Granduciel’s standards, but presents them without feeling detached. Read more>>> The War on Drugs perform at 8 p.m. at The Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW. $41–$56. (202) 888-0020. theanthemdc.com. (Justin Weber)
EAT THIS
Philly-style sandwich shop Bub & Pop’s breakfast menu now includes breakfast platters. Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., fill up on a plate of eggs with provolone cheese, Pete’s potatoes, bacon, and a roll for $8.00. In case you have a healthy eater in tow, there’s another new breakfast item: Greek yogurt with fruit preserves and granola for $4.50. Bub & Pop’s, 1815 M St. NW, (202) 457-1111, bubandpops.com. (Laura Hayes)
OH AND ALSO
Pulitzer Prize-winner Jennifer Egan chats about her latest book Manhattan Beach, about the life of a girl coming of age during the Great Depression and World War II, at Politics and Prose. 7 p.m. at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
Virginia Beach-born singer/songwriter Benjamin Booker performs at 9:30 Club. 7 p.m. at 815 V St. NW. $20.
Songbyrd Music House welcomes folk artist Willie Watson. 8 p.m. at 2477 18th St. NW. $17–$20.
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