Walter Martin’s Solo Debut at Joe’s Pub: 16 May 2014 (Photos)

At the live premiere of songs from his child-friendly album We’re All Young Together, Walter Martin did have some kids in attendance but the mostly older crowd at Joe’s Pub was there to see Martin and a full band perform for an hour. Martin, of the band The Walkmen also had some special guests including Kat Edmonson, two members of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Karen O and Nick Zinner, plus a small backing chorus conducted by “honorary choirmaster” Hamilton Leithauser (also of The Walkmen who are on hiatus).

The album combines a variety of roots traditions, relying on bits of Appalachian and folk styles within the indie rock melodies, to convey novelty, whimsy and innocence. And during Martin’s performance, all these elements gave the show a breathe of fresh air and vitality in comparison to the more serious rock shows one witnesses in New York. Martin performed the songs “Hey Sister” and “I-M-A-G-I-N-A-T-I-O-N” with Kat Edmonson after a solo song introducing his set. Karen O joined him for “Sing 2 Me”, one of the highlights on the album as it is another unique opportunity for her to showcase her less aggressive side (as she has also recently done on the Her soundtrack). While the guests came and went during the short performance, it all summed up to a very memorable evening hearing tunes you can share with friends and family, not because they are the coolest and most blog-worthy, but because they are heartfelt and fun for the whole family.

Martin has created some onesies and apparel to coincide with the new album and those are available in his shop at Etsy, where you can also purchase the exclusive track, “Where’d You Go Uncle Joe”. He has also teamed up with NYC shop, Ample Hills to debut a new flavor, “We Like The Zoo Monkey Bread” named after the track sung with Matt Berninger of The National. A stream of three songs is below.