Date:

Mon, 2007/08/27

Venue:

The Bug jar, Rochester, New York City

Artrocker.com hits New York City with this special report on Vampire Weekend - and April S Engram is on hand to sink her fangs in…

Recently dubbed “Buzzcatcher” by Spin magazine, NYCs Vampire Weekend is steadily gaining a fan base here in the states. Their afro-pop inspired sound may not immediately be everyone’s cup-o-tea, but I have to admit, as time progressed, their tunes grew on me and I found myself unconsciously singing their upbeat songs.

Bassist Chris Baio danced to every song, and yelled his background vocals so hard that he didn’t even need a mic...

The performance area of Bug Jar was scare of spectators, yet, before Vampire Weekend finished their set, the room was packed and filled with loud cheers and applause. On tour to promote their self-released, self-titled EP, the quartet got the crowd dancing and singing along with lead vocalist/guitarist Ezra Koenig. Drummer Christopher Tomson vigorously banged away at his set, making his cymbals dance away from him at times. Meanwhile Bassist Chris Baio danced to every song, and yelled his background vocals so hard that he didn’t even need a mic. At the end of every song, the crowd cheered loudly and towards the end of their set, Koenig got the audience involved with their song “Blake’s Got a New Face.” Bug Jar’s usually docile and quiet crowd were just as energetic as Vampire Weekend, making the performance all the more enjoyable. Even Koenig was delighted by the warm reception of the crowd, stating: “that was the best call and answer we’ve had yet.” And after a few more songs were shelled out, Vampire Weekend was done for the evening.

vampeeeero.jpg

Picture by April S Engram

Ezra Koenig Reviews

Vampire Weekend