Co-produced by Leithauser, Aaron Dessner (The National, Taylor Swift, and Gracie Abrams), and Hamilton’s wife Anna Stumpf, This Side of the Island boldly turns away from the folk-rock vibes of his two previous records I Had a Dream That You Were Mine and The Loves of Your Life and introduces a groovier, bass-heavy, modern sound. Leithauser’s unrelenting optimism and biting humor shine through the album, reflecting on personal growth, love, and navigating today’s polarized world.

The album was largely recorded at Hamilton’s home studio in New York, The Struggle Hut, but it wasn’t until a visit to Aaron Dessner’s Long Pond Studio in the spring of 2024 that the record truly came together. Dessner, renowned for his expansive, modern sound, played on nearly every track, helping shape a record that is both timeless and contemporary. The release of the album follows singles “This Side of the Island,” “Knockin’ Heart,” and “Burn the Boats,” offering a rich sonic journey through Leithauser’s signature storytelling and dynamic vocal range.

This Side of the Island was released 3/7/25 through Glassnote and is available here on limited edition Aqua Colored Vinyl LP and CD.

Orders for local, store pickup will be available at Grimey’s on Friday, May 9th, the day of our event with Hamilton Leithauser.

Orders placed for mail order will ship out from Grimey’s after Friday, May 9th.

*Orders for store pickup will be held for three months after the event date. Please pick up your This Side of the Island order no later than August 10th.