The Walkmen: MOMA Armory 2010 Show

amidst New York’s finest gathering of socialites and freeloaders. As the band complete their sixth album, this performance seemed to consolidate their past glories rather than focus on what comes next.

Frontman Hamilton Leithauser’s sonorous howl may have been slightly subdued in the surroundings but the band, replete with occasional brass infusions, still managed to invigorate the throng into a dancing frenzy, following the ambient noodlings of opening band Human Rights. It is debatable as to how many people were actually here to specifically see The Walkmen perform as the band battled throughout with the incessant chatter of those at the bar.

Since their formation from the ashes of underrated garage rockers Jonathan Fire*Eater, The Walkmen have steadily ascended from cult heroes to mainstream contenders without sacrificing anything in the process. Underpinned by Matt Berrick’s flawless punctuation on drums, the band – despite their stuffy stage attire – were at times bordering on the voracious, Hamilton Leithauser’s Dylan-esque howl cutting through their undeniably warm sound. This dichotomy seems to be the key to the bands appeal, with Leithauser a particular joy to watch, throwing himself into the performance, all tics and nervous energy.

With the new album due out this summer on Fat Possum Records, this was quite a short gig, but crucially devoid of filler, of unnecessary stage banter, even of encores. The Walkmen’s insouciant anguish was refreshingly frill-free and all the more triumphant for it.