All you haters better watch the F out! Finally it has arrived, the Vampire Weekend record that is going to set all the naysayers straight. Rostam Batmanglij's musical expertise is fully on display, providing the bed for Ezra Koenig's musings. With "Step" the band manages to explore their influences through their lyrics and the music itself as well. While name checking Modest Mouse they ape the chorus and parts of the melody from YZ's "Who's That Girl," which was originally sampled by Oakland's Souls Of Mischief for their "Step To My Girl." Seriously meta, bros. The lyrics present on the album will draw you in and have you trying to figure out their meaning in now time. Koenig, who gave up a teach career to take his chances as a rock singer, appears to have continued down that first path in this new venue. He'll make you want to figure out what he is saying with each verse. With "Modern Vampires Of The City" Vampire Weekend shows that they have grown and matured and will continue to win more fans over. Limited edition pressing on 180 gram white vinyl.

• music label: XL Recordings 2013

reviewed by Kool Moby 05/2013