At a show as electrifying as Friday’s, it’s easy to forget that the Walkmen are such a young band. With only two full-length studio albums, they already have an established sound most bands don’t reach until much later in their careers. At best, this gives their music the feel of a polished craft. At worst, it can seem conservative in a non-live setting.

Contrary to the nonchalant vibe of many of The Walkmen’s songs, the writing process is a difficult one for the band, according to Leithauser. “We’re trying to write songs [for the next album] and so far we don’t have squat,” he says. “It’s a little tough when you finish one record and try to start another.” No doubt they’ll feel some inspiration soon. Leithauser lists bands as disparate as Neil Young, the Pogues, Randy Newman, and above all Bob Dylan as influences. He insists he remembers hearing Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” in the womb.

After Everyone Who Pretended to Like Me is Gone came out, the Walkmen dealt with comparisons of all sorts, not just to indie rock acts like the Strokes and Interpol, but even U2, as some critics compared Leithauser’s voice to that of the young Bono.

The band has mixed emotions about such evaluations. “Well, we’re always looking for something to rip off,” Leithauser jokes. “It’s fine by me when the comparisons are on track, but usually it’s just something someone else has said a million times before…that can be a little frustrating.”

It’s clear from their show at the Middle East that the Walkmen are no longer simply the newest incarnation of indie rock. They’re a talented, smart and cohesive band who can not only make a unique record, but put on a good show as well.

—Staff writer Rebecca M. Milzoff can be reached at milzoff@fas.harvard.edu.