Before sitting down to write this review, I thought for quite a while about how to describe the way this album makes me feel. The most accurate statement that came to mind was — Modern Vampires of the City is like reconnecting with a truly beloved friend you havent seen for some time. Three years have passed since new material from Vampire Weekend and I were last together, and though other exciting people have come and gone during that time, rekindling my relationship with Ezra and company has made me realize just how much I’ve missed them.
Modern Vampires of the City is good news for established fans of the group, as the sound is very much what we’ve come to know and love. The old-fashioned lyricism and jaunty baroque pop stylings are present, both as sharp and detailed as before. Album number three, however, isn’t simply a case of rehashing old material. True, the band’s well-known signatures are present, but the release is also a testament to the group’s willingness to grow and stretch themselves further afield.
Little tweaks like pitch bending and double track recording on Ezra’s vocals, increased reverb and various analogue recording techniques give the production a fresh coat of paint. They’ve also expanded their instrumentation — rockabilly saxophones, slinky, jazz inducing double bass riffs and harpsichord patterns see them shift somewhat away from their Paul Simon inspired afro-beat roots to embrace a more hip 50′s sensibility. And would you believe it, thats a look that suits them down to the ground! In fact, I can confidently say that these additions, combined with the previously established components, have resulted in some of the band’s best material to date.
The more I muse over the concept, the more appropriate it seems to compare Modern Vampires of the City to spending time with an old friend. Not only is it an absolute joy to be reminded of why you became friends in the first place, but its even more heartwarming to see how well they’ve done for themselves. Welcome back guys — you have been sorely missed.
