The Walkmen

Jonathan Fire*Eater are quite possibly the best band you’ve never heard of. When they imploded in a ball of recriminations and unexplored potential in 1998, three of the band members skulked off to do their own thing: The Walkmen was the result. It’s been a long slog but The Walkmen are finally making people sit up and pay attention. New album Lisbon has the trademark plonky piano, crooning vocals and sparse percussion of old but there’s a new majesty and confidence here too, not to mention the odd trumpet. When they’re on form (usually when they’ve had plenty of help humping their piano into the venue), The Walkmen are explosive live. It’s rare to get the chance to see a band this good in such a small venue, so if you do one thing this month, buy a ticket for this gig. With the reviews they’ve been getting of late, you won’t get the chance to see them up this close and personal ever again.