Review
Vampire Weekend has done it again with their album "Only God Was Above Us," released in early April 2024. They're shaking things up this time around, mixing their much-loved quirky vibes with some experimental twists. The band has stuck to their roots though, with Ariel Rechtshaid back at the production helm, which gives this new collection of songs an eclectic mix of pop finesse and punk vigor, topped with layers of complex sounds that are just a joy to unpack.
The band's lead man, Ezra Koenig, dives deep with the lyrics on this one, tackling heavy stuff like the passage of time, the shadows of the past, and the tension between generations with a perspective that flips between hope and resignation. The album's name, a nod to a dramatic event covered by the New York Daily News back in the '80s, perfectly frames Koenig's reflective poetry. "Only God Was Above Us" hits all the right notes with infectious melodies, smart lyrics, and bold soundscapes that confirm Vampire Weekend is still at the top of their game in the indie music scene. - Melody