Martin and Lewis, Byrne and Eno, peanut butter and jelly,—there are some unions that were destined to for greatness, partnerships that make the world a more enjoyable place to be. Alt-rocker Hamilton Leithauser’s collaboration with Rostam Batmanglij (formerly of Vampire Weekend), prove with their new album, I Had A Dream That You Were Mine, set for release on September 23rd via Glassnote Records, that they are one heck of a pairing.
From the very first notes of attention-grabbing head-bobbing opener “A 1000 Times” to dreamy, lullaby-esque closer “1959”, Leithauser uses his dynamic voice to invoke a vast array of emotions; he yells, he howls, he croons, and even the slightest of his inflections tugs at every string that tethers this writer’s heart together.
In every instance of intensity and each moment on tenderness, Rostam’s golden touch is omnipresent. A master of groove and rhythm—the backbone of Vampire Weekend, and hit-making alliances with bands like Ra Ra Riot—Rostam provides the polish that smooths the edges of Leithauser’s grit, and turns each song into a brilliantly shining gem. Brimming with barn-burning bangers, vintage-vibed doo-wop ditties, and rootsy harmonica and banjo-laced rockers, there’s something for every palate on this album, confirmation that Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam are a savory combination.
Purchase I Had A Dream That You Were Mine: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-had-a-dream-that-you-were-mine/id1138474340
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