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THE REVIEW
Here's another face of New York in 2000: The Walkmen.
This is their first album and the sound has the influence of the scene they live in. Certain notes remind one of Interpol, certain segments may recall Calla, yet their music remains independent. They have a dark sense alienated by rarefied atmospheres; they play clean, spontaneous, almost as if they had their heads in the clouds.
Each track struck me for the precision of the divinely arranged individual sounds; the voice blends sublimely with the piano and organ that features in much of the album ("The Blizzard of 96", "Stop Talking" and "Roll Down the Line" etc.); the drum punctuates the complex melodies, sometimes refined, full of moods.
The most "driven" songs are of a good level, but the peak of the CD is reached with That's the Punch Line...
It will take several listens to frame and understand this work that does not have the same immediacy of its New York cousins... Best listened to in silence, with headphones glued to your ears (and once again the cover art is amazing…)
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Summary by Bot
The Walkmen's first album delivers a distinct New York sound influenced by contemporaries yet uniquely independent. The music is atmospheric and precise, blending vocals with piano and organ arrangements. Tracks like 'The Blizzard of 96' shine with complex moods, and the album rewards attentive, repeated listening. Its subtlety and focus on mood make it a standout debut.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
The Walkmen
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.04 Reviews
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