It wasn't until 2010's "Contra", that I really started to enjoy Vampire Weekend. Their Debut had a couple of decent singles, but I found the overall album to be kind of underwhelming. "Contra" however, changed my entire perception of the band, and actually ended up being one of my favorite albums from that year.
And now we have "Modern Vampires of the City"; an album that is, in my opinion, the culmination of all of the bands best attributes, focused into one, undeniably great package.
The album kicks things off with the track "Obvious Bicycle", with it's gospel melody and beautiful arrangements, this track shows a huge Paul Simon influence; an influence that the band has shown ever since "Contra", and one they embrace even more on this new LP. Take the track "Unbelievers", another track with a gospel-tinged melody, not to mention the obvious references to religion; a theme that seems to be the focal point of "Modern Vampires of the City".
But even if you don't care about what the lyrics are actually saying, you can still enjoy these songs and even the lyrics, for just how wonderfully arranged and written they are. The song "Step", though eerily similar to Bread's "Aubrey", is still a hauntingly beautiful track. Following it is the energetic "Diane Young", with one of the most infectious chorus's on the entire album, and for that matter, the summer.
Things do slow down a bit after the track "Hannah Hunt", but even in the albums least impressive moments, ("Finger Back" and "Worship You" come to mind) the music is still very good. So yes, they haven't crafted a perfect album; but with each release being better than the last, it's hard to think that in another three years or so, they might actually do just that.
9.0/10
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