Tuesday 28/10/08 The Walkmen, The Hosts @ ULU, London

There was a heightened air of anticipation surrounding tonight’s gig. As we began to queue the Russian bouncers informed us that this is one of ULU’s busiest ever gigs, so busy in fact that they’re had to man every bar in the venue. The bars themselves were packed four deep, with indie veterans who remember when the strokes were lacing up their first pair of converse and new rave didn’t exist outside of the world of the Rapture. During this time The Walkmen were considered just as an exciting prospect as Jack and Meg, but for some reason they just didn’t break the mainstream. With five albums now under their belts maybe now is their time.

Before they play tonight, Sheffield garage rockers The Hosts stylishly take to the stage all dressed in black suits and adorning vintage guitars. Their sound seems to mimic the headliners, but with a more upbeat tone. As front man Tom invites the crowd to sing on ‘Don’t Waste Your Time’, their pop sensibilities appear and the crowd duly respond. New single ‘Wake up’ goes down well; it’s catchy enough for those who haven’t heard it before to enjoy and yet still shows off the bands musicianship.  They finish their set to mild applause, which I thought was a little unfair but indie vets are notoriously difficult to please.  

The crowd eagerly wait in anticipation for Hamilton Leithauser and co. to appear, pushing their way to front of the stage. After a long interval, which was due to Hamilton having to teach the brass section all the songs before the show, they walk on to the stage to loud chants.  The beautiful melancholic guitars of ‘New Country’ begin to play, then Hamilton’s Dylan-esque voice gently plays above the effortless music. They continue to showcase the new album, including current single ‘In the New Year’ until old favourite ‘Thinking of a Dream’ picks up proceedings with it’s more direct and powerful sound. Hamilton begins to show off his vocal talents as he delivers each line with brooding passion.

The old favourites continue with and ‘Donde Esta’, which stirs the crowd before launching into ‘The Rat’, which sends them into raptures. They finish on ‘What’s init for me’, a perfect example of their ability to craft beautiful dramatic songs. As they walk of stage the crowd chant for more and as expected the encore ensues. To finish their mammoth 15 song set they play the beautiful ‘Louisiana’. With its catchy melody and Hamilton’s poignant vocal harmonies it’s amazing how this song is not more widely know.  The Walkmen have shown their strength in depth tonight and hopefully more and more fans will hear of this much over looked gem of a band.