With each record is seems that Vampire Weekend expands their unique sound ever so slightly. The summertime pop and world beats of their debut and the electronic loops and mellow ballads of Contra are all here, albeit with a fresh coat of paint and some challenging instrumentation that demands repeated listens. With Modern Vampires of the City they've crafted some of their finest work yet and have dispelled any doubts about whether they could survive beyond the initial hype that first surrounded them.
"Obvious Bicycle" is a slow and melodic opener, complete with heartbeat rhythms and Ezra Koenig's gentle crooning. "Step" combines the harmonies of Simon & Garfunkel with a near-identical chorus to Bread's "Aubrey", yet it all comes together to create a relaxing and atmospheric track. "Diana Young" and "Unbelievers" sound a bit more conventional in their approach, harking back to the band's previous work and putting their upbeat sound up against darker and more contemplative lyrics. A majority of the album's tracks will be instantly familiar to any VW fan while also hosting enough surprises to keep them from sounding stale and rehashed. The gentle ballad "Hannah Hunt" is truly moving, a reassuring track that reminds us that this band's relentless energy can be easily poured into the tenderest of songs.
"Everlasting Arms" and "Don't Lie" are so weightless and natural that you can't help but be pulled in immediately. They provide a perfect compliment to the fast-paced energy of tracks like "Finger Back" and "Worship You". The pacing of the album is flawless, allowing for an accessible and attentive listening experience. Each track flows directly into the other, with hardly any space or silence between them. It really helps to give the album a consistent flow without ever brushing over the individual tracks. That's a tough feat to accomplish and the band deserves huge credit for churning out another engrossing and consistent set of songs.
Modern Vampires of the City is already a strong contender for one of the year's best records and cements the band's position as one of the brightest on the scene. Current fans will be more than pleased and newcomers will be able to easily sink into the album's lush sounds and vibrant melodies. Don't miss out on this one.
Verdict: 75/100
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