The Walkmen
The Walkmen
Vicar Street, Dublin
Wednesday August 23rd 2023
The Walkmen emerged at the turn of the century as major players in the New York City circle of post punk / new wave-inspired bands (including Interpol, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and others).
Setting The Walkmen apart from the outset was a heavy reliance on piano and organ, and a preference for atmospherics over garagey antics. The band already had two acclaimed albums under their belt when 2004’s Bows + Arrows broke big and made them music magazine cover stars. Subsequent work cemented their appeal and commercial success, cresting with rave reviews and Top 40 appearances for 2010’s Lisbon and 2012’s Heaven.
“Awash with lyricism… Poignant tales set to rich, hauntingly romantic melodies” said MOJO magazine of Lisbon, while The Times stated that “Heaven is a career high that should see them billed alongside Fleet Foxes or The National... Their stately progression towards brilliance continues”