Peter Matthew Bauer – “You Are the Chapel”

Far removed from the irony-soaked (though extremely satisfying) stylings of his erstwhile band The Walkmen, Peter Matthew Bauer‘s debut solo effort seems to be all about the earnestness. And, different though it may be, it’s no less satisfying. Take, for instance, the single “You Are the Chapel” – it’s nothing short of a revival meeting in a Brooklyn warehouse instead of a tent in Middle Tennessee. With its besuited, bouncing lead singer and his band encouraging exploration and positivity, driving tack piano beat and gospel choir chorus, you’d be forgiven for thinking you wandered into an Arcade Fire video shoot. But no – this is all Bauer, and it’s wonderful to watch and to listen to.

“You Are the Chapel” is off Bauer’s brand-new solo record “Liberation!” on Mexican Summer and, if you’re in Nashville, Asheville or Atlanta this week, you can raise your hands and voices and join the revival. Judging by what Bauer’s doing these days, you won’t regret it.

10-13 Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works (w/ The War On Drugs)
10-15 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel (w/ The War On Drugs)
10-16 Atlanta, GA @ The Tabernacle (w/ The War On Drugs)