Walkmen Talk Changes, Next Album

Eyeing a June 2010 release for their next long-player.

By Zachary Herrmann

Ed. note: Our man in Philly, Zach Herrmann, caught NYC's Walkmen a couple of weeks ago in concert at Philadelphia's Theatre of Living Arts. In addition to being able to check out the combo's recent physical overhaul, he got some of the details on what's coming up for the Walkmen.

The group now tours regularly with a four-piece horn section (one of whom is lead singer Hamilton Leithauser's wife), reflecting the sonic shift and maturation The Walkmen made on last year's seminal release, You & Me.

Also, Walter Martin (bass, originally organist) plays organ on the old songs, though he and Peter Bauer have switched instruments for the most part. It's a subtle change the band made before A Hundred Miles Off, but one that has definitely paid off from You & Me on.

"I don't know how to play piano so it takes a while and it's sort of frustrating because everyone else in the band plays the same instrument and has played it for like 30 years," Bauer said. "So it's fun, but confusing."

According Bauer, they're looking at a June 2010 target date for their next album, which he added is shaping up to be "very quiet... Right now, it is a slow one. And it sort of works that way.

"I think it just sort of depends what the last five songs are. If we could write some big, fast songs, maybe they would fit. Or maybe they would just sound stupid. We don't know yet what the end result will be."

Go here to read Herrman's full concert review of the Walkmen.