For the past week or so I've been listening to the new Walkmen album that recently leaked on repeat. It's one of the best records to come out this year, in my opinion. They seem to have taken all the elements I love about the band and magnified them with brilliant studio production and great songwriting. I've always loved the reverb drenched guitar tones they get and on this record the guitars really stand out. Hamilton Leithauser's vocal delivery is top notch as well and gives the songs an emotional urgency that most vocalists lack. All around this record is just a breath of fresh air in the current indie music landscape.
Speaking of which, this current trend of people playing late 80's early 90's hardcore/noise rock and somehow being considered 'fresh' or 'relevant' is really starting to wear thin. Loud distorted guitar riffs and screaming unintelligible lyrics into a microphone while flailing about onstage just isn't cutting it for me. I will admit that I like the No Age record and what they're doing, but some of the other bands clumped into that scene just seem like a joke, or some sort of passing fad. There's only so far you can grow musically in that vein. The Walkmen, on the other hand, are writing timeless songs that seem to be imprinted with a stamp of authenticity that will last far past the short shelf life of whatever trend or fad is considered cool or hip at the moment. Ok, sorry for ranting. Bottom line, this new Walkmen record is a much welcomed return to form and definitely worth checking out.
MP3: The Walkmen - In The New Year
MP3: The Walkmen - On The Water
No comments:
Post a Comment