Peter Matthew Bauer of The Walkmen, has gone solo following the announcement late last November that the beloved indie band was taking an "extreme hiatus." Formerly a bassist/organist while in The Walkmen, Bauer is now the front man of his solo act and played one of his first shows after the release of his debut album, Liberation! in San Francisco.
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| Peter Matthew Bauer @ Bottom of the Hill 7/9/2014 Photo by: Nikki DeMartini |
I made it to Bottom of the Hill on Wednesday night minutes before he, two guitarists, one bassist, a drummer and two back up singers consumed the small stage before an equally small turnout. Because of the popularity of The Walkmen I was surprised that there wasn't more SF fans at the show but the people who did make it out were happy, ready for the show begin and the band was happy to have their support.
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| Peter Matthew Bauer @ Bottom of the Hill 7/9/2014 Photo by: Nikki DeMartini |
All members of the band were dressed to impress and as they took their place, Bauer thanked all of us for coming out on Wednesday night before starting the show with the album's opening track, " I Was Born in an Ashram." The band that night consisted of his friends from his hometown in Philly including his wife supporting him on back-up vocals and Fleet Foxes' Skyler Skjelset. His acute humbleness made for a very personable performance. The fact that the band not only respects each other as friends, but also as musicians made for a solid set. Radiating positivity, the front-man graciously gave thanks to show-goers, explained stories behind every song while his friends played it cool, letting Bauer soak it all in from center stage.
The ensemble sounded superb, the best I have personally ever heard at Bottom of the Hill. As breathy, yet solid backup vocals harmonized with Bauer's croony singing style, you could tell that he was truly enjoying every second it. The strong presence of guitar in this act bring indie rock roots to the surface; however, the number of musicians on stage and the layered instruments/vocals give the show more of a folk feel.
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| Peter Matthew Bauer @ Bottom of the Hill 7/9/2014 Photo by: Nikki DeMartini |
As the title of the album suggests, Liberation! is a collected celebration of Bauer coming to terms with and accepting trials and tribulations of his past, enabling him to enjoy today. Liberation! indeed liberated Peter Matthew Bauer and it's quite powerful to see. If you've never seen Bauer live (like myself) somehow you can just tell that a weight has been lifted from the shoulders of the musician as he proudly performs his folky ballads.
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