The New Music

It was a cool September night. Too cliché to start a review, right? I thought so too, but alas, in the end I could not help myself. Something about the first cool nights of the fall season that I thoroughly enjoy, and yet most other people do not. That being said, a fair number of people did decide to come out and see Vampire Weekend host the Molson Amphitheater on their North American tour debut here in Toronto on Tuesday (September 7th).

It’s an interesting rise, these Columbia school grads, how they have found their niche, nestled comfortably somewhere between designer plaid shirts and post-fraternity nostalgia. These lads have found a way to rock. Their music is very distinct and their formula to get the ladies dancing is almost scientific. Yet, they achieve a style and charisma that is hard to ignore. And why would you? It’s fun, right? What’s better than fun? Deep inside I was hoping that the cute red-head on the cover of their latest LP, Contra, would magically appear. Consider it a guilty crush of mine. Guess I’ll head over to the Hamptons or something in search.

Vampire Weekend were not alone in the talent department. Opening acts the Dum Dum Girls trudged through a collection of low-fi pop ditties, and Beach House, whose astral-pop bliss was damn good, to say the least! Although not familiar with their entire catalogue, the misty songstress Victoria Legrand has a haunting yet seductiveness about her, and the rest of the outfit compliments her sound seamlessly. There is really only one way to describe it, and that is simply ethereal. Like a soundscape with words, it was a good indication of their popularity that many who attended the show were on hand to see them play as well.

Onto Vampire Weekend. Upon first hearing of the band a two years ago, I found the title of the band somewhat misleading and would one day love to quiz them on this. But for now, I am more than quite content to listen to their material and enjoy. They are a band whose sound translates well across many mediums and venues. Having now seen them in three completely different venues in Toronto, the band never disappoints. And to boot, their actual stage show is spot on with their recorded versions.

Whisking through a plethora of dance-friendly pop sing-alongs, this is one of those bands that will likely enjoy a cult following along with their pop success in years to come. The on-stage banter is engaging and their pop is infectious, perhaps simply because I’m becoming more mellow, or perhaps just because I can’t argue with enjoying something fun. Vampire Weekend are an act that set out to have a good time and to make you have a good time too! The smiling faces parading out of the Amphitheater on Tuesday night laid proof that they succeeded.