Father of the Bride – Vampire Weekend

Harry

I feel like Vampire Weekend have somehow perfectly timed the release of their albums. Their last album was highly acclaimed and topped a number of year end lists seemingly at the start of indie rock’s epic decline. During a 6 year hiatus, VW managed to keep themselves busy, writing songs for big names like Frank Ocean. They are now back as pocket of indie pop and rock desire seems to be re-emerging (with the likes of The 1975 producing well received projects). With some intriguing singles leading up to its release, I was very excited about this album. Sadly, I am bitterly disappointed. The loss of band member Rostan has clearly taken its toll on the band as songs on here sound more cheesy and cringe than she of the worst cuts on their debut. It might be a perfectly timed album, but it doesn’t take away from the fact it is shite.

43/100

Zach

Vampire Weekend have always been a band I have disregarded as being ‘White Music’ and never paid any attention to. I NEVER thought I’d ever review one of their albums, however my stupid housemate Harry, whose opinion I trust (somehow) has forced me. Sadly, this album has proved me completely right, and justified why I don’t listen to them. Full of ‘B-side to the About Time soundtrack’ sounding songs, this album offered very little in terms of lyrical content, interesting rhythms, and most importantly for me, any harmonic interest. Honestly, there wasn’t a chord extension near this album with a bargepole. While obviously I am projecting my own music taste, looking at it more objectively, I do rate some of the textures in the album, and while I am informed the folk-inspired acoustic guitar is not common for them, I didn’t hate it. Overall however, a very vanilla and somewhat inconsequential album.

60/100