As the only turn of the century NYC indie rock band still standing in the tenth round, The Walkmen are not only veterans of their scene and sound, but — by default — champions. While bands like The Strokes and Interpol started swinging generation-defining punches at the first bell, The Walkmen played the role of the crafty underdog, churning out consistent hits as their opponents wore themselves down. Thirteen years later, the band has released their most graceful effort yet, highlighted by single “We Can’t Be Beat” — an anthem that becomes more career defining and satisfying with each passing day.
The Walkmen have been garnering acclaim since their debut, Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone. However, it was their untouchable follow-up Bows + Arrows, fueled by relentless single “The Rat,” that made them a college household name. Subsequent releases You & Me and Lisbon have shown the band skillfully age and hone their unique sound. Intense numbers (showcasing the drum talents of Matt Barrick) and slow-burning heartbreakers (led by Hamilton Leithauser’s signature howl) pace their perfectly balanced records. The Walkmen’s newest release, 2012’s Heaven, displayed a more optimistic side of the band yet retained their signature feel. It is truly an album that only a band as seasoned and hardworking as The Walkmen could have created.
The gut-busting Father John Misty shares the Capitol Theater bill on Saturday night. Father John is the most recent project of Josh Tillman, who previously performed under the J. Tillman moniker and acted as touring drummer for Fleet Foxes. Still victory lapping behind 2012’s immensely satisfying Fear Fun, Father John is an opener deserving of a headlining tour of his own. His debut may be most hailed because of his tremendous vocals, but it’s his hilarious encounters with precarious women and (sometimes) illegal substances that make his style of folk both rewarding and unique.
The aforementioned Father John previously visited Madison this past July, opening for Youth Lagoon. Opting to play solo then, he will sing, dance, and all-around entertain in front of a full band this weekend. Both The Walkmen and Father John Misty are masters of their trade, and Saturday is sure to be a showcase full of tight knit, deserving-to-be-heard music.