To get some sense of how oversubscribed Vampire Weekend’s first London dates in six years are, the last time Ezra Koenig and co played the capital, they were headlining the O2.
With a new record on the horizon and an expanded, seven-piece touring line-up, the New York-formed group spent the opening night of their theatre run proving that they’re as accommodating and playful a live proposition as ever.
Faithful replications of fan-favourites Unbelievers and White Sky played out alongside experimental interpretations of their already complex songs.
Elsewhere, the intricate, prog-inspired melody of Sunflower was appended with virtuoso soloing from guitarist Brian Robert Jones. Be it the rippling arpeggios of Harmony Hall or the subdued minimalism of 2021, songs from the band’s forthcoming album, Father Of The Bride, more than held their own alongside classic tracks.
And yet, for all the cerebral composition and slick musicianship on show, it was notable that Vampire Weekend never put their creative satisfaction above the audience’s enjoyment.
Whether despatching the riotous run of Diane Young or enacting audience song requests, it was a crowd-pleasing performance from a band still seemingly at the peak of their creative powers.
The London gigs you absolutely have to see in 2019
