“Hello Chicago!” A bald Moby look-alike deejay from XRT yells into
the microphone and preps the audience for the first of two sold-out
performances at the Riviera. The crowd is excited and can’t wait to
start. The security guards prep for crowd surfing and place their
silverback gorilla-like force against the barricade. Preparing their
muscle-bound minds for an Armageddon, they are clearly not prepared
for what is about to happen.
The lights go out and a black curtain falls to reveal the cover of the
album Contra. Vampire Weekend arrives on stage within reach of their
instruments in the same way they execute their musicianship: in a shy
and genius way. They aren’t afraid to explore any options or
instrument. They’re quite possibly the only pop rock band from America
that can show elements of Massive Attack and Paul Simon’s Rhythm of
the Saints all in one song.
Vampire Weekend opens their set with the crowd favorite “White Sky.”
The crowd sings along while security seems utterly confused, unsure
what to make of the situation. After that song I am reminded of a 60s
protest—visualizing the security as a strong MP force and the people
are placing flowers in their rifles. The crowd continues to sing along
with every note that escapes Ezra Koenig’s lips. His performance is a
reminder of why the band’s album debuted at number one in Billboard
magazine.
Vampire Weekend has a gentle-yet-confident appearance to the stage.
They remind me of the smart, quiet kids in high school; the type of
student who may not talk a lot, but are able to wow the class with
every word they say. This band is humble and smart with musicianship
similar to that of an orchestra. Even though each musician plays their
part, the song would sound horrific if you were to take out any of
their parts. Each note and sound is played at the perfect moment of
every piece; with drummer Chris Tomson acting as conductor, there
isn’t a note that is ever played out of time. When Vampire Weekend
announces their next tour, get your tickets. You will not be disappointed!
