‘Father of the Bride’
Vampire Weekend's anticipated return
Vampire Weekend took six years to release new music after Modern Vampires of the City was released in 2013. The American indie rock group’s hiatus left some wondering if it would ever return. But after all the speculation, hopeful anticipation, and exuberance when the group’s fourth album was finally announced, Father of the Bride is here, and it’s the stuff of giddy hipster dreams.
The 18-song collection is clearly the cultivation of frontman Ezra Koenig and company’s meticulous work to create an album worth waiting for. It’s fresh and reminiscent of old Vampire Weekend at the same time, keeping the playful guitar and clever rhymes longtime fans grew to love long ago while also experimenting with the genre bending that’s becoming commonplace in popular music today.
The album is wistful and dreamy, and seems to bring the sunshine with one listen. “This Life,” a single released prior to the album, prompts consideration of what Jimmy Buffet would be like if he were a 25-year-old hipster rocker today. “How Long?” has a similarly beachy vibe.
The collabs on the album allow Koenig to blend his distinct vocal style with similarly talented individuals. Two singles featuring Danielle Haim add a romantic, feminine touch to the album, and two more feature the multi-talented Steve Lacy to further break the mold of what was expected of a new Vampire Weekend album.
As difficult as it is to live up to the hype built by a long-time absence from the public eye, Vampire Weekend delivers with Father of the Bride. It comes just in time for summer as the perfect light-hearted soundtrack to a season of exploration and lazy days in the sun.
