Vampire Weekend's Father of the Bride is a coming of age album for thirty-somethings. It delves into the emotional turmoil of adulthood and paints pictures of contemporary life through the perspective of an artist who has grown restless after finding success during the first part of his career. That artist is Ezra Koenig, who has taken creative lead for Vampire weekend after the departure of longtime co-founder and multi-instrumentalist, Rostam. The release of the new album marks the band's major label debut and the first release in six years.

On Father of the Bride, Koenig worked with a long list of collaborators for an album that sounds like nothing was left behind in the studio. The 18 tracks clock in at almost an hour of music that weaves together a new sonic tapestry for Vampire weekend fans to explore. Littered with samples, guest performers, and contributors, Father of the Bride stretches the sound of Vampire Weekend. From the opening song, "Hold You Now," which kicks off the album with one of many appearances by labelmate Danielle Haim, to performances by Steve Lacy and credits with Japanese experimental pop composer Haruomi Hosono, Vampire Weekend's fourth studio release is as dynamic as those who helped shape the sound of Koenig's songs.

While the album attempts to push the boundaries of Koenig's writing, there are many moments that are quintessentially Vampire Weekend and will transport you back to their debut album. Like the playful album tracks, "We Belong Together" and "Bambina," there are still layers of baroque pop and worldbeat underneath an indie rock formula. Yet, there are moments throughout the songs that remind you that it's not entirely the same band you might have discovered through their debut or "Contra." There are vocal effects all over the album as well as thick instrumentation that at moments could be considered avant-rock.

Vampire Weekend's Father of the Bride is out on Friday, May 3rd.

Resources

Vampire Weekend - Official Site