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Live Review: LISTEN: The Walkmen 'Dance With Your Partner' & 'Vermeer 65'

11 October 2012 | 12:00 pm | Rebecca McCann

THE WALKMEN have released two brand-new tracks via their SoundCloud for eager fans to satiate their indie-rock appetite, and neither will disappoint.

THE WALKMEN have released two brand-new tracks via their SoundCloud for eager fans to satiate their indie-rock appetite.

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'Dance With Your Partner' is a sprawling, melodic masterpiece. That does sound like an epic call, but I'm prepared to back it. Varied dynamically and richly textured, it is one that will tug at the heartstrings and pull you close to your lover for a romantic slow-dance (or at a minimum, a tender embrace and sway).

At about 2 mins in, a sparse beginning makes room for the band of 5's trademark distorted indie-rock. Fuzzy guitars and Hamilton Leithauser's unique vocals define THE WALKMEN sound, with solid rhythm and stirring guitar solos. The band are in their 13th year of existence and so it is no wonder their sound is so mature and polished.

'Vermeer 65' is more conventional in form, but no less endearingly sincere, or melodically accomplished.

THE WALKMEN assure us that "Our little slice of Heaven/ is no more than a dream away" on these preview tracks from the Heaven sessions. Having been produced with a helping hand from Phil Ek, of THE SHINS, BAND OF HORSES and FLEET FOXES success, they are hopefully indicative of more heavenly sounds to come.

Words by Rebecca McCann, check out her street on POSSE.COM