Walkmen Get Parental Approval at Homecoming Show

Who says parents can't appreciate rock music played at the appropriate volume? The Walkmen played a noisy homecoming show at Washington, D.C.'s 9:30 Club on Tuesday night to a crowd of parents, family and friends, including singer Hamilton Leithauser's dad, who was also dressed in the band's uniform of tucked in dress shirt and khakis.

While the Walkmen's albums may be known for ambience and antique instrumentation -- they favor a stand up piano and organs on many of their recent songs -- their live sound is nothing short of loud. The band sped through songs from their latest album 'You & Me,' including crowd sing-alongs on 'Donde Esta la Playa' and 'The New Year.'

A wailing Leithauser seemed to play a game of call and response with his dad, who ended each song with an enthusiastic "Wooo!" Later, a four-piece horn section joined the band onstage for 'Louisiana,' producing a wall of sound.

Leithauser's growling, shaking vocals were teed up well by the smooth voice of Luke Temple, who performed a rich and wandering opening set with his band, Here We Go Magic. Thanks to a tangle of wires, band members and gadgets crowded on the stage, but the impressive set mirrored the lush mix of sounds heard on the band's self-titled album. All in all, it was a night of music that can be enjoyed by fans young and old alike.