Proper young poppers Vampire Weekend bopped through 12 quick tunes Friday night in Williams College’s Greylock Dining Commons to the delight of all in attendance. The result of a venue change due to an increase in the amount of expected concert-goers, the area was packed with students drawn to the prospect of a free show.
Before Vampire Weekend plugged in, opener Sambuck Rosen entertained, coif and all. The New York City three-piece has toured with Vampire Weekend on and off for the past year due to previous acquaintance with the band. Rosen’s pop/rock templates, supplemented by cheesy, guitar-damning banter, were met by an excited, positively responsive crowd. The trio crunched through approximately 30 minutes worth of jagged material which, unfortunately, was constantly about a beat away from discovering a semblance of groove.
Vampire Weekend then took the floor (not the stage, for it was non-existent). They conformed to the preppy label often given to the band by critics, as they graced the stage decked out in collared shirts on top of performing at one of the nation’s most prestigious academic centers. The group chimed through each song from its recently- released debut record, adding one new name-less California-themed tune and the rollicking non-album track “Boston.”
Highlights included island-tinged “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” the energetic “Boston,” Victorian-sounding “M79,” and a very full “The Kids Don’t Stand A Chance.” Fans of the fledgling band were treated to all their favorites, while those new to their sound found haven in bountiful sing-alongs and the audience call-back of “One (Blake’s Got A New Face).” Certain choruses induced the large turnout into a sweaty, jumping mass, which had to be constantly ordered to push back and give the band space.
Despite playing on the floor instead of a stage, which limited a portion of the crowd’s view, the group’s songs came across very similar to the album’s clean sound. Several issues with volume plagued the first few songs, in which the guitar was barely noticeable. However, alterations were made, and the end result was crisp and clear.
Vampire Weekend’s tour comes on the heels of their critically-acclaimed, self-titled debut record, released under XL Recordings. Their shows stretch from New York City dates at the end of January up through April 1 in Denver. They are also scheduled to play perennial festivals Coachella and Bonnaroo.
More complete production and added string arrangements exponentially add to the album from their self-released “Blue CD-R” recordings, which surfaced last year. The band is young and still attempting to gain prominence, yet their current tour is an excellent avenue for getting their name out to the masses. This is not to say that the music doesn’t speak for itself, but free shows at colleges can’t hurt.
Ian Nelson can be reached at [email protected]
