I prefer Kurt Vile, in general. Much more warmth, personality and humor in his music. He communicates a real sense of who he is and what he's about. It's easy to be a fan of his. Songs like Baby's Arms, Jesus Fever, Wakin on a Pretty Day, Goldtone and Pretty Pimpin have really meant a lot to me over the years. I remember taking notice of Pretty Pimpin's lyrics during a really bad period of depersonalization and feeling more understood, at that moment, than I ever have in my life. It was so great that my experience was being related by someone I had never met.
TWOD are very consistent and do what they do very well, but it's difficult to love their music because I don't feel anything when I hear their lyrics or vocals. Anyone could be fronting that band and it wouldn't really matter; it's all about the guitar and the hugeness of the overall sound. Honestly? I couldn't quote a single TWOD lyric. Not one. And I think Lost in the Dream is one of the best albums of the 2010s. I've heard it many times. Maybe it's the mixing, or maybe the writing is just bland, but nothing Adam Granduciel sings sticks with me.
It makes a lot of sense that Adam left Kurt Vile's band to focus on TWOD; he definitely comes across as a great guitarist who wanted to try his hand at songwriting, whereas Kurt was the guy with the songs. Adam's work on Smoke Ring for My Halo is really something and the blending of their talents makes for a great listen.