Vampire Weekend
How does one cap-off a three day weekend? One swings by Webster Hall and checks out Vampire Weekend. Having released their sophomore album Contra on January 12th, the boys quickly began a supporting tour that started in various venues around NYC.
Holly Miranda kicked off the show at Webster Hall last night backed by her band Zebulon. I had the chance to see her acoustic set at CMJ in the fall, but with a six-piece band her vocals became even more powerful. (Violinist Marques Toliver was particularly incredible, and snagged a lot of my attention.) What I find most noteworthy about Miranda is that she is an artist who appears to be in her own world while singing. It’s as if she forgets the audience is right in front of her, she is so sharply focused on the emotion of the music. I remain highly impressed by her extensive talent and I am excited that she seems to be garnering much more attention these days.
Vampire Weekend began their set with “White Sky,” much to my delight as it’s a favorite track off the new album, but really got the crowd going when they burst into “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa.” Throughout the night, they bounced back and forth between their albums for a two hour set. Lead singer Ezra Koenig even noted to the audience at one point, “Are you freaked out that we’re still on stage? Cause now we have two albums! We used to only have one. Used to just hit it and quit it!”
Koenig was unfailingly polite, thanking everyone for coming many times over, requesting audience participation, and encouraging all to dance. I was, however, equally intrigued by all members of the band. Bassist Chris Baio has the most remarkable little dance steps and Rostam Batmanglij is a wonderful multi-instrumentalist. But I think that I had the most fun watching drummer Chris Tomson. I’ve always felt that he looks like Animal from the Muppets when he plays and I absolutely, in every way, mean that as a compliment. It’s downright awesome.
Although I’m not the biggest fan of their single “Cousins,” it was a mighty impressive track when played live, and it was great to finally hear older favorites like “I Stand Corrected” and “Mansard Roof” in a concert setting. An entire string section backed the band making “M79″ a highlight of my evening. And even though I am not one to find myself singing at a show (After all, concert etiquette. You go to hear the singer, not people in the audience.) I couldn’t help but jump along and join in when they ended their four song encore with “Walcott.”
Overall, Vampire Weekend was one of the most entertaining shows I’ve been to in a while. (Also check out Koenig’s guest spot in “Warm Heart of Africa” with The Very Best if you need a bigger fix.)
