- By Fred Spanner
Hamilton Leithauser: “This Side Of The Island” ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A stunning effort from the frontman of The Walkmen.”
“This Side of the Island” is a dream from start to finish, packed with raw passion and that unmistakable Leithauser howl. Some albums feel like they’re just ticking boxes, but this one grabs you by the collar and drags you along for the ride. Every track is dripping with energy, like these songs have been bottled up inside him for years, just waiting to explode.
“Knockin’ Heart” is an absolute riot that’s destined to tear up the stage live. “Burn The Boats” is a perfect mix of grit and vulnerability, while “Ocean Roar” throws in some jazzy vibes that might divide opinion, but somehow, it just works.
“Happy Lights” is a straight-up anthem, one of those tunes you whack up to full volume with zero regrets. The title track, “This Side of the Island”, closes things out with pure euphoria.
Leithauser sounds like a man at the top of his game; relaxed, confident, and having an absolute blast.
Don’t let this album pass you by.
Stand-out tracks: “Burn The Boats”, “ Knockin’ Heart.”
