Hamilton Leithauser @ The Art School, Glasgow, 11 Mar

Hamilton Leithauser has not only managed to keep himself busy during the “extreme hiatus” of The Walkmen, but also to practically reinvent himself. On last year's collaborative album with erstwhile Vampire Weekender Rostam Batmanglij, Leithauser found a new medium for his idiosyncratic storytelling and buttery wails. Live, though without Batmanglij, he's translated this new style into a reinvigorated stage show.

Leithauser owns the stage at The Art School tonight. He has the swagger and look of a bonafide rock star, not unexpected after twenty or so years honing his craft on the indie rock circuit. He is personable, professional and totally at ease with his surroundings. Opening with Sick as a Dog, he and his bandmates demonstrate a natural ease that only comes with complete confidence in the material being played. The band, made up of Spoon/White Rabbits members, play I Had a Dream That You Were Mine in its entirety, with just a dash of Black Hours to break it up. Keys, drums and guitars provide a canvas over which Leithauser is able to liberally sprinkle the peaks and troughs of his vocal acrobatics.

Leithauser's energy and charisma abound throughout, but are particularly evident on favourites like A 1000 Times and poignant closer 1959. Gorgeous attention to detail is shown in the quirky preface to The Bride's Dad, endearing the crowd toward the song's titular underdog, before tugging at the heartstrings with a sentimental rendition and a wry smile. While Leithauser may be a champion of the downtrodden and hopeless, the strength of his performance tonight is indicative of his status as a major player when it comes to thoughtful storytelling and the art of rock'n'roll.