SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: HAMILTON LEITHAUSER – THE LOVES OF YOUR LIFE

Hamilton Leithauser
The Loves Of Your Life
Glassnote Records

The distinctive Indie sound that was always a part of The Walkmen’s sound, the vintage instrument sound that made them distinctive, remains a part of Leithauser’s identity on this, his second solo album.

This is an intensely personal album, in many respects. Leithauser utilizes his wife and daughters on backing vocals and he surrounds himself with friends to back up the sound- pianist Jon Batiste giving solid support. The standout track “Here they Come” opens with the sound almost akin to Simon and Garfunkel and introduces us to one of the many characters within the album, as each song is dedicated to an individual, in this case a friend cowering from reality within a cinema.

There is a clever use of multi-layered vocals on “The Old King” and this is one of the thoughtful tracks that sees Leithauser moving into ballad territory. This track, along with a couple of others, reminds one of the artist opening a photo book of memories and giving his thoughts on the people he sees.

If the listener is wanting melody then “Isabella” is a port of call. The tune remains with you long after it ends. Leithauser also blends an array of instruments into the album as a whole, Batiste plays one great tune, but Leithauser contributes more than adequate drums and bass, mandolin and even a Wurlitzer.

All in all, a sound album that intrigues and is well worth dipping into.

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