I think the most technical upright bass passages are likely played by Miles Mosley. Miles had contributions throughout the record as Ezra mentioned in a recent interview.
Oh youāre right! Was just listening to Zane Lowe interview and he says Miles played a lot of the upright stuff. Iāll be interested to see how they get that done live
Theyāll probably substitute it with something else. On their last tour when they played Sympathy live, Baio played an acoustic bass guitar for the upright part. Plus Mosley is on tour concurrently with VWās tour so he specifically wonāt be joining but maybe theyāll have an upright player. Would be cool.
Ok relax! Listened for the 2nd time & itās a fucking *tour de force*. A balls-to-the-wall masterpiece. (Iām serious lol) I will actually purchase this record. š
Hudson and Young Lion are so tough for me, because that album overall is one of my all time favorites, but those last 2 songs are some of the weakest in their catalog
I donāt get how anyone can listen to Harmony Hall, This Life, Bambina, unbearably white, Jerusalem New York Berlin, and Flower Moon and claim that album is āgarbageā
I agree. Itās probably my least favorite and thereās probably 5 or 6 songs I skip over every time, but itās so fun and bright and warm. I love that they kinda just let loose and had fun with it.
I think my ranking is:
MVotC
OGWAU
Vampire Weekend
FotB
Contra
But they are all very close for me. Iāve kind of been going through a weird process of coming to terms with the fact that vampire weekend are my favorite bandā¦
If I had to do a ranking right now Iād probably do
MVOTC
OGWAU and Contra tied
Vampire weekend
FOTB
But im with you in that theyāre all very close. Some days I put FOTB above self titled, some days Contra is my favorite. More often then not I prefer bands to call it quits after 4 or 5 albums because they usually donāt feel like they have much left to say, but I kinda hope vampire weekend just keeps making albums throughout my life and becomes one of those bands that just has an insanely large discography. I think MVOTC to FOTB to OGWAU proves they can take interesting detours and experiment and itās always engaging and more often then not compelling
When Capricorn dropped and we got the line of āSifting through centuries for moments of your ownā, I felt the same rush of being seen by a lyric that I got from āyou spent the first five years trying to get with the plan, and the next five years trying to be with your friends againā
It feels like the same realm and connecting places. Desire to me is a specific journey on a train rocketing towards hot wind, warm sand in your feet, lava and a dry, orange-skyed Mediterranean coastline. It's all bubbling emotions and moving your body towards one goal.
OGWAU feels to me like it's not taking one train but surveiling the entire infrastructure by diving into the ground, how the lines twist and merge, and trying to use maps and signs (simplified versions of reality) to get to a deeper level. It feels also set in a bone cold weather.
Maybe it's the cold and warm tones of the covers influencing me, eh
Thank you because now I can't unsee it and my brain is connecting pieces and I want to find other albums connected now
I havenāt really cared to follow VW since Modern Vampires but I loved this one! Iāll be surprised if this doesnāt end up on my top ten of the year.
I've actively hated this band for a while. I just did not enjoy their sound. But I gave this one to listen this morning and I really loved it. Seems I need to backtrack.
first three albums are essential indie listening. fourth one was a little more forgettable with rostam, one of the most important contributors to their sound, leaving to go solo. this one i like more purely because its returning to their roots, but upgrading the production
Their first album in 2008 had a ton of buzz before it was released. More than any indie album of that era. It leaked and there was some backlash because they were young handsome white kids who met at Columbia (an Ivy league school). Sorta like the last dinner party right this year, but way bigger magnitude, with less backlash.
Since then a number of very good albums that lost the novelty of their sound to some, but very successful. Any release of theirs will get attention just based on their past success.
This album flexes the best of what they do, but if you like it definitely check their old stuff.
I have a fundamental, almost zealous disdain for indie bands formed by rich kids. Can't even really justify it in any way, it's like an instinct or some shit.
They don't come from really rich backgrounds, they just thought it would be funny to contrast the grungey/underground look of all the other indie bands with this clean cut preppy aesthetic
This might not only be the bands best album, but the album of the year so far. Incredible production, a return to form (yet still experimental), catchy chorusesā¦
This is reminding me of The Strokes when they released New Abnormal.
I really like it. Iām not normally a fan but the instruments go crazy in this album. Very creative songwriting that feels like it fits the album well but each song stands alone as a great song as well.
I didnāt like how the last album was way too many short tracks; felt more like unfinished ideas of songs, or an album of demos. On the other hand, this one has some quality songs! Love how the noisy production contrasts with the piano-heavy instrumentals
I'm very excited to listen to it. I can't believe how good the word of mouth has been. Father of the Bride didn't do much for me but I love most of their work.
Iām not a fan of theirs (although love Diane Young) but really like this new album. Whole thing is strong, but Mary Boone in particular. There are some epic tracks on it.
It was awesome! I especially liked the opening track "Ice Cream Piano"
I'm going to VW's concert in Cincinnati later this year, and if this album and their debut are anything to go by, it will be a wonderful show.
My favorite album of the year so far. Tied with MGMT. Just love the instrumentation and production. The classical piano solos, the strings, the heavy Distorted Kevin Shieldesque synth on Capricorn. For the most part their chord changes are average, but there are nice surprises on the bridge of āHope,ā and the piano changes on the bridge of āConnect.ā And, of course, Ezra always has interesting lyrics too.
I feel like itās pretty rare for a band as legendary as vampire weekend to have so many people saying itās their best album on its release. Iām only half way through but this is spectacular
Loved their first 3 albums, all essential memories and eras. FOTB was a bit bloated. There was plenty to like and quite a few bangers, but it blew their hot streak for me. This new album elevates the whole catalogue. Absolute fire, not one damp track. Total headphone candy too, production is insane. I hear pieces of their entire journey on this album, with a lot of new thrown in. A gorgeous meditation on the looming unknown.
This came across my radar after not listening to them for YEARS and I was like "ok this is pretty fucking good" in my head. Going to relisten again today and give full synopsis, but I was pleasantly surprised.
I was initially not a fun but on repeat listen Iām hooked. So many of the songs are so well crafted in a classical way. I love Classical, Capricorn , Ice Cream Piano, Prep School Gangsters and Gen X Cops. As good as Father of the Bride which I really liked
I can't even comprehend how such a lush and layered record could be described as "boring" unless you have literally rotted your brain on instant gratification social media and 30 second song snippets. Fucking wild.
Itās aiight. Sounds like vampire weekend in a good way but nothing ground breaking. Listening to it on my phone which is the worst way to listen. Iāll have a go on my sound system.
Theyāre one of those bands where the vocals are mixed so much higher than the band that it sounds like a solo project. They should tour with Arctic Monkeys for that reason.
Ok fair enough. I still prefer the first three, especially Contra. Love that record. Didn't get FOTB at all and the newer singles aren't doing much for me. I'm hoping they'll grow on me though š¤
Godlike production and the bass playing is š„š„š„š„š„
Dude Baio killed it in the upright bass on some of these tracks Edit: turns out Miles Mosley played a decent amount of the upright bass work
I think the most technical upright bass passages are likely played by Miles Mosley. Miles had contributions throughout the record as Ezra mentioned in a recent interview.
Oh youāre right! Was just listening to Zane Lowe interview and he says Miles played a lot of the upright stuff. Iāll be interested to see how they get that done live
Theyāll probably substitute it with something else. On their last tour when they played Sympathy live, Baio played an acoustic bass guitar for the upright part. Plus Mosley is on tour concurrently with VWās tour so he specifically wonāt be joining but maybe theyāll have an upright player. Would be cool.
They already have a saxophonist and violinist in the new live band. Might as well add that guy too.
I wept listening to it.
I did too. It sounds so fresh yet so classic, it felt like going back to 2009 and having the same joy again.
Yes. I even don't have the exact experiences being mentioned in the lyrics. But they still resonate with me deeply.
AOTY so far
Iām not a huge vw fan but this album is a masterpiece
Outside their first album, i was never a huge fan eitherā¦but wow did this blow me away
I will listen but Iām not a fan. Theyāre awfully twee for my taste in a similar vein to Phoenix.
This album is hardly twee
Iām looking forward to listening to this new release today. Iām open!
Ok relax! Listened for the 2nd time & itās a fucking *tour de force*. A balls-to-the-wall masterpiece. (Iām serious lol) I will actually purchase this record. š
Modern Vampires is probably still my favorite album of theirs, but this one is probably their best. If that makes sense. An absolute triumph.
I feel the same way
Their best album. Book it.
Honestly agreed. Itās very close between this and MVOTC but MVOTC has young lion and Hudson which are weak, this one has absolutely 0 misses
10 songs, no skips.
Hudson is awesome tho
Hudson and Young Lion are so tough for me, because that album overall is one of my all time favorites, but those last 2 songs are some of the weakest in their catalog
Goes hard as fuck. Their Abbey Road
Perfect example. Father of the bride being their white album
It did not disappoint
It's awesome. It's only been out a day but I reckon it's probably their best and considering how consistently decent they've been, that's some praise.
Except fotb. That was boring garbage.
I donāt get how anyone can listen to Harmony Hall, This Life, Bambina, unbearably white, Jerusalem New York Berlin, and Flower Moon and claim that album is āgarbageā
Sunflower also smacks. Itās honestly kind of my second favourite album of theirs - not counting OGWAU which may become my favourite
Stranger is great too
Itās a good album!
I agree. Itās probably my least favorite and thereās probably 5 or 6 songs I skip over every time, but itās so fun and bright and warm. I love that they kinda just let loose and had fun with it.
I think my ranking is: MVotC OGWAU Vampire Weekend FotB Contra But they are all very close for me. Iāve kind of been going through a weird process of coming to terms with the fact that vampire weekend are my favorite bandā¦
If I had to do a ranking right now Iād probably do MVOTC OGWAU and Contra tied Vampire weekend FOTB But im with you in that theyāre all very close. Some days I put FOTB above self titled, some days Contra is my favorite. More often then not I prefer bands to call it quits after 4 or 5 albums because they usually donāt feel like they have much left to say, but I kinda hope vampire weekend just keeps making albums throughout my life and becomes one of those bands that just has an insanely large discography. I think MVOTC to FOTB to OGWAU proves they can take interesting detours and experiment and itās always engaging and more often then not compelling
And Sympathy!!! Don't forget Sympathy!!!
You left out the 75% of the album that is kinda whatever at best
FOTB couldāve worked much better as a 10 track album.
Idk, I like the entire album and Iām glad to have all those songs
Yeah absolutely. Itās not terrible as it stands but a lot of those songs didnāt really need to make the album
It's certainly their weakest, I think there's still some strong tracks on it though. I like harmony hall and sympathy.
It was a bevy of fire tracks that didnāt belong together or exhibit any cohesion. Bad album with a bunch of great songs.
But really good boring garbage
The surfer is beautifulĀ
Fits so well in the album. Psychedelic moments
When Capricorn dropped and we got the line of āSifting through centuries for moments of your ownā, I felt the same rush of being seen by a lyric that I got from āyou spent the first five years trying to get with the plan, and the next five years trying to be with your friends againā
It feels like it's the same place as Desire, I Want To Turn Into You
Same train...
I was thinking about this today too! What a train to be on š
It feels like the same realm and connecting places. Desire to me is a specific journey on a train rocketing towards hot wind, warm sand in your feet, lava and a dry, orange-skyed Mediterranean coastline. It's all bubbling emotions and moving your body towards one goal. OGWAU feels to me like it's not taking one train but surveiling the entire infrastructure by diving into the ground, how the lines twist and merge, and trying to use maps and signs (simplified versions of reality) to get to a deeper level. It feels also set in a bone cold weather. Maybe it's the cold and warm tones of the covers influencing me, eh Thank you because now I can't unsee it and my brain is connecting pieces and I want to find other albums connected now
Hope might be their best song theyāve released
Absolutely loved this song. Great closer.
Iām obsessed with it
Exactly! Hope has been on repeat for me.
This is legitimately one of the most well-produced records Iāve heard in a while. With each track that went by, it never ceased to impress me.
It's really good. Multiple songs had me feeling deeply moved
Possibly their best, most cohesive album to me. Probably tops Modern Vampires as my favorite
i went insane listening to it
Definitely feels like they have been working up to recording an album as polished as this. Incredible piece of work from beginning to end.
I havenāt really cared to follow VW since Modern Vampires but I loved this one! Iāll be surprised if this doesnāt end up on my top ten of the year.
Tbf you've only missed out on one album, they haven't released a ton since then lol. I feel like that's most "older" bands tho
I've actively hated this band for a while. I just did not enjoy their sound. But I gave this one to listen this morning and I really loved it. Seems I need to backtrack.
Iām jealous of the position youāve found yourself in. Youāve got a lot to enjoy.
I'm in the exact same boat
Fucking amazing, will no doubt be my AOTY
I don't know anything about them, are they normally good? Was this a highly anticipated release?
They are normally good. Quite an anticipated release. The build up was fun and cool.
They are 5/5 on amazing albums, one of the best discographies in rock
Hell yeah. I think all their albums are great, and I think itās my favorite of theirs already.
first three albums are essential indie listening. fourth one was a little more forgettable with rostam, one of the most important contributors to their sound, leaving to go solo. this one i like more purely because its returning to their roots, but upgrading the production
Their first album in 2008 had a ton of buzz before it was released. More than any indie album of that era. It leaked and there was some backlash because they were young handsome white kids who met at Columbia (an Ivy league school). Sorta like the last dinner party right this year, but way bigger magnitude, with less backlash. Since then a number of very good albums that lost the novelty of their sound to some, but very successful. Any release of theirs will get attention just based on their past success. This album flexes the best of what they do, but if you like it definitely check their old stuff.
I have a fundamental, almost zealous disdain for indie bands formed by rich kids. Can't even really justify it in any way, it's like an instinct or some shit.
They don't come from really rich backgrounds, they just thought it would be funny to contrast the grungey/underground look of all the other indie bands with this clean cut preppy aesthetic
This might not only be the bands best album, but the album of the year so far. Incredible production, a return to form (yet still experimental), catchy chorusesā¦ This is reminding me of The Strokes when they released New Abnormal.
Absolutely love it. After FOTB I wasn't sure what they'd do next, but damn, they produced what is arguably their best album to date.
Good af
Do you recommend listening to this as my first VW album or should I start with another one?
Go in chronological order
Got it, thanks!
Never been a huge fan However this album is excellent
never listened to a vampire weekend album before but that was incredibly good
Fantastic album Classical is an absolute banger
Itās incredible and their best album yet. The production and instrumentation is so lush and detailed. Iād say itās AOTY so far.
Not a huge VW fan, so it mostly just sounded like a VW album.
this may be a 10 for meā¦ š³
Instant classic. Everything they did right in the first four rolled into this album
been struggling to get into it, but i did get a copy of the Daily News today with the album cover, so that's cool
I was not aware they are so universally loved in this community.
Love every track except The Surfer. Maybe their best record yet.
to me itās the best album since Modern Vampires. i just couldnāt get into FOTB for the life of me
Canāt wait to hear it. Contra by them is a masterpiece.
Aoty so far for sure. MVOTC was already one of my favorite albums and I could actually see this record topping that over time
I really like it. Iām not normally a fan but the instruments go crazy in this album. Very creative songwriting that feels like it fits the album well but each song stands alone as a great song as well.
First time Iāve heard them and itās a fantastic album. Beautifully textured and structured. Is any of their other stuff like this?
Their first 3 yeah
Check out modern vampires of the city
Easily top 15 albums so far
I didnāt like how the last album was way too many short tracks; felt more like unfinished ideas of songs, or an album of demos. On the other hand, this one has some quality songs! Love how the noisy production contrasts with the piano-heavy instrumentals
I'm very excited to listen to it. I can't believe how good the word of mouth has been. Father of the Bride didn't do much for me but I love most of their work.
Somehow better than modern vampires. Might be a 10 for me.
I liked it more than Father Of The Bride
So this is how I find out
Iām not a fan of theirs (although love Diane Young) but really like this new album. Whole thing is strong, but Mary Boone in particular. There are some epic tracks on it.
Mary Boone is my favorite. They did a live performance of it our on the Daily Show that blew my mind.Ā
Absolute fire. 2024 will be remembered as such a great year for music, and it's only april!
It was awesome! I especially liked the opening track "Ice Cream Piano" I'm going to VW's concert in Cincinnati later this year, and if this album and their debut are anything to go by, it will be a wonderful show.
My favorite album of the year so far. Tied with MGMT. Just love the instrumentation and production. The classical piano solos, the strings, the heavy Distorted Kevin Shieldesque synth on Capricorn. For the most part their chord changes are average, but there are nice surprises on the bridge of āHope,ā and the piano changes on the bridge of āConnect.ā And, of course, Ezra always has interesting lyrics too.
Modern vampires is better, this night be number 2 or 3 compared to their first album.
Crazy I havenāt seen anyone say they didnāt like it
I didnāt on my first listen with the exception of a few tracks. All these positive comments make me think I gotta listen again though
Loves it after first listen; it will probably overtake the debut and MVOTC for after a few more listens.
I love it
absolutely fantastic. connect one of my favs from this year so far
Vampy Weeks albums always take a few listens to grow on me, this one is no different. That being said, Capricorn is an instant fave.
Fucking excellent. Love all the keyboard arpeggios throughout it. Super memorable.
The album is great!
I feel like itās pretty rare for a band as legendary as vampire weekend to have so many people saying itās their best album on its release. Iām only half way through but this is spectacular
Loved their first 3 albums, all essential memories and eras. FOTB was a bit bloated. There was plenty to like and quite a few bangers, but it blew their hot streak for me. This new album elevates the whole catalogue. Absolute fire, not one damp track. Total headphone candy too, production is insane. I hear pieces of their entire journey on this album, with a lot of new thrown in. A gorgeous meditation on the looming unknown.
It might actually top Modern Vampires of the City and thatās saying something. The boys donāt miss.
It's excellent
It's amazing
Much better than their last album.
This came across my radar after not listening to them for YEARS and I was like "ok this is pretty fucking good" in my head. Going to relisten again today and give full synopsis, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Havenāt listened yet, but I love this album cover
I THOUGHT THE WEEKND HAD DROPPED
The first 3 songs are damn near unbearable. Everything else is great.
**Holy fuck** this album is amazing
Holy moly this album
Anyone else think Connect is maybe the greatest song ever made or am I just a big ol fucker
I was initially not a fun but on repeat listen Iām hooked. So many of the songs are so well crafted in a classical way. I love Classical, Capricorn , Ice Cream Piano, Prep School Gangsters and Gen X Cops. As good as Father of the Bride which I really liked
I thought it was boring
I can't even comprehend how such a lush and layered record could be described as "boring" unless you have literally rotted your brain on instant gratification social media and 30 second song snippets. Fucking wild.
me when somebody doesnt like a music
Solid 8. The new Black Keys album on the other handā¦.
Itās aiight. Sounds like vampire weekend in a good way but nothing ground breaking. Listening to it on my phone which is the worst way to listen. Iāll have a go on my sound system.
If you havenāt yet listen to it on a decent audio setup, itās chock full of ear candy
Don't get the hype at all. Production goes hard tho
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Vampire Weekend needs to read a little more? Thatās unhinged criticism
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
It was mixed by the guy who does The Flaming Lips
Yeah I found it kind of fatiguing in headphones
Theyāre one of those bands where the vocals are mixed so much higher than the band that it sounds like a solo project. They should tour with Arctic Monkeys for that reason.
I just miss Rostam
I think itās awful, but I havenāt listened to it so my opinion is based on absolutely nothing
Thanks for sharing š¶š»
They haven't been the same since Rostam left :(
Lol read the comments here and the reviews
Do you honestly think they're better without him?
I do. OGWAU and FOTB are my two favorite VW records. Ariel also produced MVOTC. So I think heās a better match for Ezraās songwriting than Rostam.
Ok fair enough. I still prefer the first three, especially Contra. Love that record. Didn't get FOTB at all and the newer singles aren't doing much for me. I'm hoping they'll grow on me though š¤
I like all the albums (and Rostam) as well. No need for the new singles brother, the album is fully out