In January 2012, during the live recording of The Walkmen's NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert, the band was experiencing a pivotal moment in their career, having recently released their album "Lisbon" in September 2010. This record marked a significant evolution in their sound, moving from their earlier, more aggressive style to a more refined and layered approach, which is reflected in the concert's mellow yet intricate performance. The band demonstrated a deepening maturity in their songwriting, highlighted by the intimate setting of the NPR offices. An interesting fact related to this period is that "Lisbon" was well-received and solidified their reputation as a band capable of both evocative storytelling and rich musicality. The Tiny Desk Concert exemplified this transition, showcasing their ability to balance intensity with subtler, more nuanced arrangements.