Album Review: Hamilton Leithauser - Black Hours

So here it is: Hamilton Leithauser's debut solo effort. Although it lacks The Walkmen's rockier edge, this album works because of its subtlety. It works because Leithauser is restrained before he belts out the lustful chorus or howls the key line. The album is at times led by jangly guitar lines, then by moody piano, then by marimba. It's the marimba that's less Walkmen and more upbeat, yet it's the more morose and defiant songs that have the most impact, like soulful opener 5 AM, the resigned I Retired and the call-to-arms I Don't Need Anyone.