Vampire Weekend
Modern Vampires of the City
XL Recordings
Street: 05.14
Vampire Weekend = Telekenisis / The Shins + The Strokes
Modern Vampires of the City is truly a coming of age album that feels like VW made for themselves, more than their audience. The result is far more accessible and lasting material than their previous work. It feels like I’m watching a memory tape reel as Ezra Koenig reminisces in “Step” about the, “punks who would laugh when they saw us together/ I can still see them there huddled on Astor/ snow falling slow to the sound of the master.” Most of the songs reach a level of honesty and simplicity where they border folk music. The poetic story telling of “Step” and “Everlasting Arms,” evoke the virtue of Paul Simon while the harpsichord and hand drums solidify the comparison. VW may have had my attention with their first two albums, but they’ve gained my appreciation through this one. –Justin Gallegos