By Tyler Fassnacht

“You’re one of us, or one of them,” cries Hamilton Leithauser on “Juveniles,” the opening track to the Walkmen’s new record, Lisbon. After six albums, the Walkmen have created a specific sound, unique to themselves, so if you haven’t joined as a fan yet, Lisbon won’t change anyone’s mind because it stays awfully true to that sound, and I say that as a good thing.

Following 2008’s fantastic, You & Me, Lisbon does wonders feeding fans’ hunger for the Walkmen’s signature music: frantic rhythmic drumming, sparse reverbed guitars and Leithauser’s voice, which still pierces when he wails and glazes like honey when he moans. The album, however, holds its own as a really great record. One thing you notice is that in general the album is more upbeat, musically. There isn’t a “Donde Esta La Playa,” or a “What’s in it For Me” on the album, in fact, even the ballads sound full and trudge along at tempos you can tap your foot to. Such as the wonderful, brooding, “Blue as Your Blood,” which starts with a two note progression being picked on guitar, then adds rim hits for percussion and complimentary bass , eventually being enough music for vocals to float on. The track remains dark until strings and horns rise up from a lull and quiet down for Leithauser to take over with “the sky is blue as your blood.”

Eclecticism has always been a strong suit for the Walkmen, like on the first single from the album, “Stranded,” that has warm mariachi horns as a prominent part of the waltzing track. The rest of the album also has touches of such instrumentation emphasizing that they are much more than just a rock band, however they can and do rock. Tracks like “Angela Surf City” and “Victory” have pummeling drums by madman Matt Barrick, backing yelps and pumping organs. Another thing that makes this album stick out for me in the Walkmen’s discography, is how it flows. Songs bleed into each other, making the album sound more concise as a whole, which isn’t something they do so well every time.

Lyrically, Leithauser touches on similar subjects like heartbreak, youth and loneliness, but it all still seems far from the depression of “the Rat.” He has problems, but you know, he’ll get over it. It leaves the listener feeling hopeful, especially with closing track, “Lisbon,” as it drearily fades out.

In the end, the Walkmen have successfully released another great record, which means they get to tour, giving fans a chance to see an amazing band sound even better live. Oh and how convenient, the Walkmen will be coming to The Barrymore on October 14th, with emotional-punk duo Japandroids opening, for a night of energetic, charismatic live music.

Buy: The Walkmen – Lisbon

Been listening to a lot of Futurebirds lately. If you haven’t picked up Hampton’s Lullaby, please do so, we really love it. We got our ears on an awesome slowed down demo version of “Yur Not Ded” that was just too good to not share. Download it below.

Futurebirds are on the road in October in November including stops in Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago. Check out the tour dates and go see them live.

MP3: Futurebirds – “Yur Not Ded” (Slow Down Demo)
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Buy: Futurebirds – Hampton’s Lullaby

Muzzle of Bees is presenting both of Backyard Tire Fire’s Wisconsin shows this week. It kicks off tonight at the Majestic Theatre in Madison where they’re joined by Rev. Payton’s Big Damn Band and Juniper Tar. Tomorrow night they’re at Club Garibaldi in Milwaukee with Mark Olson of The Jayhawks fame. We caught up with Ed Anderson of Backyard Tire Fire for a quick chat before they hit the state line.

You released Good To Be in February of this year. What can you tell me about the recording process and how you met up and worked with Steve Berlin of Los Lobos on the album. Were you guys fans/familiar with Los Lobos work prior to touring with the band?

We had a blast making this record out in Portland, OR. We stayed in a former-brothel above the oldest bar in town called the White Eagle. Each morning we’d wake and walk to the studio, work all day, and return to the White Eagle for a case of Rainer beer. By the end of the two weeks they knew us pretty well and would let us listen to mixes from the day after the bar cleared out.

We met Steve when we opened for Lobos a couple of years ago. He caught most of our set, dug it, and reached out to our manager about producing us. He’s has amazing ears. Hears things in places most people don’t. One of the easiest people to work with as well. Great guy. We were/are HUGE fans of Lobos so this whole experience has been unreal.

Backyard Tire Fire is on the road a lot. Let’s talk about when you’re not on the road. Where’s home for you and what are some of your favorite hangouts in your city?

Bloomington, IL. About 2 hours south of the great city of Chicago. Favorite hangouts? I play every Wednesday went we’re not touring at a place called Six Strings. The coolest dive bar in town has to be Diggers. Love walking down to Mugsy’s to watch baseball, eat wings, and drink lots of cold beer. A few investors are opening the old movie theater downtown as a nationally touring venue. Really hoping the Castle Theater turns into a favorite!

We do this feature on our website called “Sad Songs & Waltzes” where artists share some of the saddest songs they know by other artists. Got any favorite sad songs?

“Crossing Muddy Waters” by John Hiatt. We had to follow Mr. Hiatt at the WXRT Cubs home opener morning celebration that was broadcast live earlier this year. His voice at 7am was frighteningly strong. He’s one of the best writers going.

So, you guys are doing an acoustic set in Milwaukee. That’s a different thing for you guys. What’s your plan and what can we expect?

We did an entire acoustic set opening for Los Lobos before, as well as several other acoustic type shows. I play tons of solo acoustic stuff and in a county string band called the Lonesome Whippoorwills, so it won’t feel too unusual. I’m sure we’ll still play lots of stuff off of the new record. The band sounds great when we strip it town and scale it back. I can’t wait to hear Mark Olson!

Speaking of Milwaukee, it’s a city known for it’s beer with plenty of local and national breweries representing. What’s your go to beverage of choice?

Budweiser.

Giveaway: We have two (2) pairs of tickets for both the Madison and Milwaukee shows to giveaway. Drop a comment with an underrated album in your collection that people need to know about and we’ll select a couple of winners at random.

Video: Backyard Tire Fire – “Good To Be”
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Buy: Backyard Tire Fire – Good to Be

We are pleased to premiere the new Frontier Ruckus video for “Nerves of the Nightmind,” which appears on their brilliant release, Deadmalls And Nightfalls. It’s most definitely one of the best releases of the year.

Muzzle of Bees is pleased to present Frontier Ruckus in Madison at the High Noon Saloon on Wednesday, November 10th (with Breathe Owl Breathe) and in Milwaukee at the Cactus Club on Friday, November 12th. Not from Wisconsin? Fear not, the band will probably be headed your direction. Check their tour dates.

Giveaway: We’re giving away a pair of tickets to both the Madison and Milwaukee shows. In addition, we’re giving away copies of their album, Deadmalls And Nightfalls to those of you outside of the Wisconsin state lines who are unable to make either show. To enter, drop a comment with the best concert you’ve seen this year. We’ll select some winners next week and notify them by e-mail. Thus, it’s imperative you leave a legit e-mail address. Please denote your preference of which concert you’re interested in attending or if you’d rather be in the mix for the album.

Previously: Review: Frontier Ruckus/Cary Ann Hearst – House of Blues

Buy: Frontier Ruckus – Deadmalls And Nightfalls

Even though I’m seeing the band tonight at the Pabst in Milwaukee, I couldn’t resist making a trip to Chicago to see Pavement last night, my second time seeing them in the windy city this year. It was my first time seeing a show at The Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, which I was super impressed by. A great sprawling outdoor amphitheater that strays about as far as you can get from the traditional “shells” of yesteryear.

My train from Milwaukee dropped me just a shot cab ride from the venue. I was running late, very late into the set list. I arrived as the band was tearing into “Stereo.” In the ten songs that I did end up hearing, many of which came over the course of two encores, I couldn’t help but notice how talkative and chatty the band was. Something much different from seeing them at Pitchfork. The band seemed right at home in Chicago and it reflected in their playing – loose, driving and heavy on the rock and roll. The ended with “Range Life,” which coincidentally was the song I asked my friends if I’d missed upon arriving so tardily. It was worth the trip and I got to hear the one song I was really looking forward too. No complaints. I cannot wait to do it all again tonight. Since we all know about Pavement and the Milwaukee connection, what’s the over/under on the band coming out and playing only Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks material? Not likely at all, but it would sure be funny.

Check out photos by Daniel Brielmaier below and do hit up Greg Kot’s review of the show in the Chicago Tribune.

Our friends at High Frequency Media’s video above for Bear In Heaven’s “Deafening Love” has been shortlisted for the Vimeo Festival + Awards.

Pavement plays the Pabst Theater tonight. Don’t miss them. If last night in Chicago was any indication, tonight will be a very, very fun night.

If you have not yet ordered the new album from Sharon Van Etten, please do so. I had the chance to see Sharon perform this new material live over the weekend and was left picking my jaw up from the floor after. Take a listen:
MP3: Sharon Van Etten – “Don’t Do It”

Speaking of great bands I saw last weekend, Megafaun blew away their crowds on two occasions during Hopscotch Fest, showcasing new material from their mini-alum, Heretofore.
MP3: Megafaun – “Carolina Days”

Superchunk’s fantastic new album, Majesty Shredding is out today. It soundtracked most of our drive home from seeing Pavement last night in Chicago. They have a new video for “Digging for Something” up over at Vanity Fair.

The Black Keys have announced they will return to Chicago for a New Year’s Eve concert with special guests The Greenhornes at the Aragon Ballroom. Tickets go on-sale is 9/18 through www.ticketmaster.com.

J. Tillman takes on Neil Young’s Tonight’s The Night, in its entirety at Aquarium Drunkard.

Aquarium Drunkard also offers up a new session with the Roadside Graves, which includes some new jams. Check out the “lost” AD session we posted recently.

We have copies available from the Conrad Plymouth 10″ clear vinyl I released on my new label, Ten Atoms. Go here to pick one up. Or just download the tracks digitally here for free.

Check out a bunch of videos from Billy Bragg’s set at Turner Hall Ballroom last week.

Futurebirds and Jonny Corndawg are at Cactus Club on Thursday, November 18th

Tickets for Thursday’s Mark Olson (Jayhawks) and Backyard Tire Fire show at Club Garibaldi are selling fast. Buy your ticket in advance to save on admission.

77 Square interviews Brandi Carlile who plays the Barrymore Theatre on Saturday, September 18th.