New York ivy league afro-beat merchants Vampire Weekend are set to take a new hip hop direction.
Formed whilst at university, Vampire Weekend were inspired by the sounds of Africa. Dubbing their inventive sound Upper West Side Soweto, the band set about blending world music styles with indie pop.
Sounding a bit like Paul Simon’s ‘Gracelands’ re-imagined by The Strokes the group’s debut album was a massive critical success. Self-titled, Vampire Weekend’s debut album spawned the festival favourite ‘A Punk’ and demonstrated a highly inventive new songwriting talent.
Vampire Weekend spent the bulk of last summer playing a field somewhere near you, clocking up sensational performances at the likes of T In The Park, Reading and Glastonbury.
However live appearances have been thin on the ground of late, with a Free Tibet performance in New York one of the few occasions the group have been sited.
The band are intensely creative, and have already begun writing the follow up to their debut album. In a recent interview the group admit they were bowled over by the success they have enjoyed, but it seems that this has not stopped them working on a follow up.
Vampire Weekend made an appearance on American TV recently, and chose to play a never heard before track.
Lead singer Ezra Koenig is an in-demand new talent, and according to American magazine Stereogum is set to star on the new single from Philadelphia MC Lushlife. Titled ‘The Songbird Athletic’ the track is due for release later this month.
Lushlife is no stranger to collaborations with indie stars. Forthcoming album ‘Cassette City’ is set to feature guest slots from artists such as Deerhoof.
Lushlife will release the Ezra Keonig boosted single ‘The Songbird Athletic’ on May 19th.
