Continuing our highlights from Day 3 of FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL 2013…
VAMPIRE WEEKEND‘s performance at Fuji Rock was one of great success, the area completely filled with fans eager to see these indie pop wonder boys that have gained worldwide attention for their unique and upbeat music. The giant backdrop hung on the stage was a beautiful retro floral design similar to the one currently in the background of the band’s website, making for a gorgeous scene complementing the four boys from New York as they joyfully presented their hit songs and latest album to the crowd, opening with “Cousins” from their second album “Contra.”
Vocalist Ezra Koenig seemed pleased as punch on stage, gallivanting about in a manner perfectly matching the light-hearted tones and melodies for which they’re so famous. They played a set bountiful with their most popular tracks plus a smattering of new tunes from “Modern Vampires of the City” released earlier this year, closing with track “Walcott” from their debut album and setting fans into a frenzy of joy and dance moves.
The group was born in 2006 after the four met at university, and they released their first self-titled album in 2008 in to rave reviews. This sparked the beginning of a highly successful run of albums, the next two offerings (“Contra” in 2010 and their latest “Modern Vampires of the City” both debuting at number 1 in the Billboard charts). Despite their immense success, Vampire Weekend are no strangers to scrutiny, dealing with suspicion of stealing their sound from African pop artists for the entirety of their careers. These claims have not swayed their musical stylings or enthusiasm however, sticking to their cheery pop melodies and growing evermore popular as time goes on.
The band are currently undertaking a thorough US tour before a few dates in Europe, then heading to the renowned Falls Festival in Australia next January.