Lisbon

iTunes Review

The Walkmen crank out a tough factory rhythm for “Angela Surf City.” It’s the sound of man battling against the machine. The drums turn things dark and greasy like much great rock ‘n’ roll. But the band operates on a different level. They add lightness to cosmopolitan-sounding tunes such as “Juveniles,” “Blue As Your Blood” and “Stranded,” where singer Hamilton Leithauser sings with an extra lounge lizard in his voice. There’s a somber undertow to “Victory” while “All My Great Designs” uses a great amount of air in its arrangement to make a greater impact. The band’s minimalism is quite appealing. “Woe is Me” is actually quite quick and bright, despite its title. “Torch Song” could be an old R&B/Doo Wop ballad from the 1950s. “While I Shovel the Snow” is another aching ballad with a sense of wit mixed in with its tears. The title track and “Orange Sunday” bring things to a solemn and quiet close.