It was hard to know what to expect from VAMPIRE WEEKEND tonight. Their self-titled debut has proved to be one hell of a grower, becoming more and more appropriate as we head into the summer. The songs, whilst not immediate, are rewarding on repeated listens and they seem to hold that handy mid-ground of being both very good, but with a huge mainstream appeal. They have a bookish sweetness that your mother would appreciate, but at the same time they swear and talk about drugs, so all bases have been covered.
Their year started with them being mentioned in lots of ‘Ones to watch’ lists in the music press. A couple of singles appeared and their video got onto NME TV. But at some point, everyone seems to have picked up on them. This gig was originally postponed so that the band could do mainstream TV appearances and then Radio 1’s One Big Weekend. More and more people seem to be aware of them now, and the album is stacked full of potential hits. This gig tonight might be the last time to see them in a relatively small venue before they get huge.
There were certain reasons to be dubious about this gig as well. Without the string section, would some of the songs seem a little empty? Also, a recent appearance on Jonathan Ross saw them to be quite nervy and lacking any stage presence. Perhaps it was just nerves – playing to millions and all that.
It would seem to be the case, or they’ve had lessons in recent weeks. The Vampire Weekend that appear on stage tonight are confident, polished and really rather charming. Opening the way the album does, with ‘Mansford Roof,’ they set the scene for what is a lively rendition of their songs that brings the recorded versions to life. There aren’t many deviations from what we already know, but it’s a fuller sound and it brings the album to life. It’s a unique sound they have – intelligent, almost classic pop sounding, with hints of reggae but with the genetic make-up of an indie. Tonight is absolutely a showcase of their strong points.
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It’s a surprise to see how well received they are in many ways. Most tracks are received as if they are singles (“Blake’s got a new face,” being a popular, if tiresome, chant in between a lot of songs), a lot of people know all the words and the crowd were generously applauded. It’s a good natured gig from start to finish – it appears to be a room full of people really enjoying themselves, and it’s not all that often that you feel that so strongly at a gig.
There’s no nervousness – in fact, there’s a fair amount of banter, which you might not expect from their preppy exterior. They don’t play for too long, or fill their set up with needless covers. They’re on for no more than fifty minutes, but that’s the right amount.
The new material played tonight sounds good – again, though, with Vampire Weekend these things have to grow on you. Oxford Comma is such a song, it grows and grows on you and I don’t think I have loved it more than I did tonight. When everything kicks in for the “Why would you lie…” section, it’s a real rush. It’s only a slightly souped up version, but it sounds amazing. Likewise, the set-closer is a speeded up version of ‘Walcott’ and an unlikely but brilliant way to end. It sounds urgent, the playing is completely tight and it’s a real high-point.
The best thing I can say about them is that they sound less and less like The Police to me as time goes on. That was my only reservation about them and that is fading nicely. Looking forward to catching them at Glastonbury already.
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