LIVE REVIEW: Hamilton Leithauser @ Hotel Cafe, LA 5/6/14

With the forthcoming release of Black Hours, the first solo attempt from The Walkmen‘s leader Hamilton Leithauser, we are seeing a brighter side to one of indie rock’s most notable talents. While we love the broodiness and mystery in which most Walkmen songs tend to be shrouded, Leithauser’s new route seems to be lightening in the best of ways.

This week Leithauser packed nine bandmates onto the tiny stage of Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles for two dates. There was an exhilaration in the air that comes with new projects, venturing into the familiar, yet still somewhat unknown. “11 O’Clock Friday Night”, with it’s bright xylophone intro, and “Alexandra”, featuring a jaunty, clapping rhythm, show Leithauser’s new point of view for the new record.

On stage, Leithauser and company were light on their toes, drawing in the crowd with the subtlety of songs like “5 AM” and “St Mary’s County.”

Check out more photos from Leithauser’s performance HERE.