Robbie Bennett of The War on Drugs Releases Two Solo Albums

Philadelphia-based musician Robbie Bennett, best known as the keyboardist and multi-instrumentalist for indie rock stalwarts The War on Drugs, is stepping into the spotlight with not one, but two solo albums. Steloken and Circulation will drop simultaneously on December 11 via American Dreams, offering fans a deep dive into Bennett’s evolving sound—one that blends warm piano melodies with experimental synth textures and improvisational chaos. The albums mark his first solo output since the 2020 release of Permanent World, but this time, Bennett is pushing his creative boundaries further than ever before.

A Creative Evolution

Bennett joined The War on Drugs in 2010, making his recorded debut on the band’s 2011 album Slave Ambient. Over the years, his contributions have been integral to the group’s signature sound, which fuses classic rock, Americana, and ambient influences. With Steloken and Circulation, however, Bennett strips away the band dynamic to explore a more personal and experimental side of his musicianship. The albums grew out of the same keyboard rig he uses with The War on Drugs, but the process took a radically different turn.

At home, Bennett sent MIDI from an acoustic player piano into an Oberheim OB-X8 synthesizer, allowing both instruments to perform in real time. He layered additional textures—Fender Rhodes, vocoder, and the Soma Terra, a polyphonic microtonal synthesizer controlled by a gyroscope and pressure-sensitive sensors—to create a sound that feels both organic and otherworldly. The result is music that Bennett describes as akin to "wandering through an unfamiliar place you want to keep exploring without ever having to retrace your steps."

Two Albums, Two Moods

Originally conceived as a single project, Steloken and Circulation eventually split into two distinct but complementary albums. Steloken leans into Bennett’s warmer, more melodic compositions, where piano and synth intertwine to create lush, immersive soundscapes. Tracks like the recently released "Sister" showcase this side of his work, with its haunting yet inviting piano lines.

Circulation, on the other hand, embraces a more abstract and improvisational approach. The album’s lead single, "The Light on Your Face," begins with a dissonant synth introduction before unfolding into a distant, anthemic piano melody. Here, Bennett leans into the imperfections—the mistakes, the accidents, and the controlled chaos—that give the music its raw, emotional depth. As he puts it, "It’s tempting to mute what’s ugly and what makes me feel uncomfortable, but the full spectrum of the mistakes and the triumphs feels most real and beautiful."

The titles themselves reflect Bennett’s personal life. Steloken is derived from what his daughter calls skeletons, while Circulation refers to the meditative sensation of feeling one’s blood flow.

What to Expect

Fans can look forward to a combined 29 tracks across the two albums, each offering a unique journey. Steloken features 17 songs, including standouts like "Radii," "Serendipity," and "A Love Song / Universal Interface." Circulation clocks in at 12 tracks, with highlights such as "Breathing Glass," "Panthalassa," and "December."

For those eager to experience Bennett’s work live, The War on Drugs are currently on tour, with Bennett performing alongside frontman Adam Granduciel and the rest of the band. While there’s no word yet on a follow-up to their 2021 album I Don’t Live Here Anymore, the group has been teasing new material at recent shows, including songs like "Walk Away" and "Now We’re Talkin'."

Practical Info

• Albums: Steloken and Circulation
• Release Date: December 11, 2026
• Label: American Dreams
• Where to Listen: All major streaming platforms
• Pre-Save/Pre-Order: American Dreams official site

Bennett’s dual release is a bold statement from an artist who has spent years shaping the sound of one of indie rock’s most beloved bands. Whether you’re a longtime fan of The War on Drugs or a newcomer to Bennett’s solo work, Steloken and Circulation promise to be a captivating listen—one that invites exploration and rewards patience.