The Walkmen

The Profile

The Walkmen are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000 by members of Jonathan Fire*Eater and The Recoys. Known for the ferocious single “The Rat” and acclaimed albums like Bows + Arrows and You & Me, they paused in 2014 and reunited in 2023 for live shows.

Origins tied to Washington, D.C., later based in New York City; part of the early-2000s NYC indie scene alongside Interpol and The Strokes; Hamilton Leithauser’s distinctive vocals and Matt Barrick’s dynamic drumming are signature elements.

Three DeBaser reviews chart The Walkmen from the stark allure of Everyone Who Pretended… to the lush triumph of Lisbon and the divisive pop sheen of Heaven. Hamilton Leithauser’s singular voice and Matt Barrick’s kinetic drums are recurring obsessions. The band’s DC roots and NYC 2000s context (alongside Interpol and The Strokes) frame the discussion. Highlights include “Juveniles,” “Angela Surf City,” and “We’ve Been Had.”