Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam

So what happens when Hamilton Leithauser (of Walkmen fame) and Rostam (formerly of Vampire Weekend) get together? A venn diagram with nipples and a center that sounds something like Dr. Dog. At least that's what I'm hearing, but the comparison is irrelevant. The blend is perfectly medium. 

Yes, I just used the word 'medium' to describe music that Hamilton Leithauser is singing. While I'm not the biggest Walkmen fan I do love a lot of their tracks; especially 'The Rat', which I consider one of the best songs of the millennium. Not just because the drums stomp the goo out of me, but because Leithauser's voice on the track (and in general) is legendary. Nobody sings like he sings without causing their throat to bleed. 

I don't judge singers by the notes they hit. Fuck Mariah. Fuck Christina Aguilera who sounds like Kermit the Frog with range. I think the best singers have voices that are unmistakably unique. I call it the Don Henley effect. Hamilton Letihauser's voice is raspy angst wrapped in a dry corn tortilla shell that splits apart the second you take a bite into it and guac falls on to your plate. Normally this should not be defined by 'medium'. 

BUT it turns out that Rostam is the perfect bath salt to counteract his limey hardness. (I think it's lavender salts). Rostam brings in a little of the 'Vampire Weekend whimsicalness', a little doo wop and a some muscle relaxants. Mix this with some straight up excellent songs, and the result is fucking perfect. It's chill, but not too chill. It's pleasant but not too pleasant. It's simple but not too simple. It's fucking MEIDUM and I can listen to it all week on repeat.