Since their 2002 debut, New York City band The Walkmen have become masters of channeling catharsis in unpredictable and exciting ways. They have a unique sound that is expertly demonstrated on “Lisbon,” the band’s fifth album. Front man Hamilton Leithauser’s increasingly vivid laments of complicated relationships, missed opportunities, and dreams of escape, as well as the lushness of the music, serve as a testament as to why the band has continually released quality albums over the course of their decade together.

Musically, “Lisbon” opts for more sunny and open arrangements compared to the more moody and atmospheric tendencies found on 2008’s “You & Me.” “Blue As Your Blood” bounces along with its simple yet elegant guitar line, and the slower, waltz-like “Torch Song” gives off the feeling of watching the sun set on the Atlantic. The band has always excelled at creating mood through music, and “Lisbon” is no exception.

Leithauser’s voice can go from a soulful croon to a yowl that sounds as if he’s going to shred his vocal cords at any second, yet he exhibits control in a way that’s awe-inspiring.  

Throughout “You & Me,” Leithauser effortlessly used minor details to add depth to his stories. This sort of attention to imagery continues on “Lisbon.” “Underneath the juniper tree, I sing a sad song of you and me,” Leithauser sings on the astounding “Blue As Your Blood,” indicating that while he is surrounded by immense beauty, he is still saddened by the fact that an affair with a Spanish woman didn’t work out. The increasing attention to detail highlights Leithauser’s growth as a songwriter and how he has come into his own as one of the most dynamic front men of this generation.

With “Lisbon,” The Walkmen have utilized all of the things that make them unique. They also continue to expand upon their sound, something that many bands with members approaching middle age simply can’t do. While “Lisbon” may not have the immediacy or bite that the band’s earlier albums do, The Walkmen have matured in a way that makes getting older and reflecting on life sound exciting and rewarding.