“Lisbon” a great, somewhat brighter album from indie rockers The Walkmen

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5 out of 5 stars

East coast indie rockers The Walkmen return with “Lisbon,” a brilliant follow-up to 2008’s more mature and focused “You & Me.”

The Walkmen have been releasing remarkably consistent sepia-toned rock records for the better part of a decade, establishing a unique sound built upon chiming guitar tones, thundering bass, anxious drums and vocalist Hamilton Leithuaser’s distinctively unsettled voice.

“Bows + Arrows” brought them heightened acclaim and recognition in 2004, which led to an appearance on the popular Fox series “The O.C.” the same year.

Since then, the band has undergone very minor stylistic changes with each record, further focusing and tightening up their sound. 2008’s “You & Me” found the band utilizing a slightly darker approach, resulting in perhaps their most fully realized album to date.

“Lisbon,” the band’s latest record, finds the band retuning in similarly excellent form, just as angry and heartbroken as ever, but with a slightly brighter sensibility.

The cover art for “Lisbon,” an overexposed photo of a woman sitting on a bench, is a fitting representation for the slightly more sun-soaked nature of the music within.

Opening track “Juveniles” sets the mood wonderfully with a bouncing rhythm section and gently melodic guitar lines, a perfect soundtrack for a late-summer evening. The music stands in stark contrast to Leithauser’s rather intense lyrical contribution. “Take a lonely look for my sake/It’s a tragedy,” Leithauser belts in the chorus, sounding like a more restrained, yet desperate Bob Dylan.

One thing The Walkmen have become incredibly good at is crafting uptempo, driving pop songs filled with as much ache and longing as they are confidence and bravado.

“Angela Surf City,” the album’s second track, is a wonderful example of this and holds its own when stacked next The Walkmen’s best tracks. “You took the high road/I couldn’t find you up there,” Leithauser belts from deep within his belly while the band races behind him, unglued and desperate to prove a point.

Another thing The Walkmen have become exceptional at is crafting sparse and beautiful ballads. “Stranded,” another of “Lisbon’s” strongest tracks is a horn driven, heartbroken ballad about loss and loneliness perfectly demonstrating just how versatile and talented The Walkmen have become.

Established fans of The Walkmen will undoubtedly find plenty to love about “Lisbon” and those unfamiliar with their music need look no further for a perfect entry point into the band’s growing body of work. One of the best records of the year and one of the best records from some of this decade’s most consistent and enjoyable musicians, “Lisbon” is not to be missed by fans of The Strokes, Bob Dylan or The White Stripes.