Concert Review: The Walkmen/Japandroids - Metro Chicago 10/13/10

The following is an excerpt from my feature on Radio Free Chicago.

I have always enjoyed it when two bands tour together that are not an obvious listening match. The best thing about indie is that it is such a huge tent where all any artists have in common is a singular motive to do something different. The Walkmen, proud proprietors of popularity from a radio single a few years back and a critically praised album this year in Lisbon, are a band who trick you with their deceivingly lazy riffs and low-key delivery. Eventually the heady listener is slowly smothered by the weighty, swooning style and the reaching cries of lead singer Hamilton Leithauser.Japandroids cash their checks by simply hitting you in the face with a sledgehammer while wearing a big goofy grin. From last year's breakthrough album Post-Nothing to their consistently awesome 7 inch series this year, they are a duo that sinks themselves into their wistful lyrics about better days and longer nights as they precisely follow the Holy Trinity of Rock: drums, guitar, volume. When two bands like The Walkmen and Japandroids find enough commonality and mutual admiration to travel together and share the stage, it warms my heart and gives me renewed faith in music.

To read the full article, click here to go to Radio Free Chicago.

Angela Surf City - The Walkmen


The Walkmen - Blue as Your Blood


Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire

The Awesomeness Continues As Japandroids Release Another Single November 16

As previously reported, rock revivalists Japandroids have been releasing singles since February in an effort to appease their fans and fill the time until the duo can get back to some extended writing and recording. The new single "Heavenward Grand Prix" is set for a vinyl release on November 16 via Polyvinyl. Included is a b-side cover of PJ Harvey's "Shame".

With the past two singles "Art Czars" and "Younger Us" being fast and furious, "Heavenward Grand Prix" has a comparatively relaxed approach.The mid-tempo thump pushes the swollen guitar-drenched wall of sound; the waves wash over you rather than knock you down. The dual plaintive cries state "We don't have to be like they are...", but the delivery feels like it is already too late. With this kind of consistency, listening before buying is simply a formality. The vinyl versions are limited and sell out quickly, so jump on it.

Preorder the new Japandroids single here.

Japandroids - Heavenward Grand Prix

Japandroids Latest Single To Be Released July 20

The Japandroids are still hard at work toiling away on a never ending tour in support of their amazing debut full length Post-Nothing to an insatiable fan base. However, the hard working Vancouver duo still feel they can give more to their devoted followers. Starting in February as an intended five piece series, they began releasing a 7 inch singles on Polyvinyl featuring an original track and a cover for its b-side. The first single "Art Czars" sold out before its release date and the latest offering "Younger Us" has a street date of July 20.

Both tracks have an old school quality that cannot be ignored. "Art Czars" is all teenage rebellion and fist pump chant. With it's military drum roll intro and "Here's your punk rock back" demands, this is a call to arms to kids young and old to flip the bird to the man and snicker at their buddies who are still buying Avenged Sevenfold albums. As a counterpoint, the real draw in "Younger Us" is the reminiscing for when times, and music, was simple, provincial and pure. This feeling maybe not resonate with some people yet. Trust me, it will when you blow the dust off and give a listen to one of your all-time favorites a decade or two later. Oh, and Hüsker Dü circa 1984 is on the phone for Japandroids. They say you're welcome.

Order the 7" inch vinyl single of Younger Us here.

Purchase the mp3 version of Younger Us here.

Purchase the mp3 version of Art Czars here.

Purchase the vinyl version of Post-Nothing here.

Japandroids - Younger Us


Japandroids - Art Czars