It’s a scientific fact (that I’ve just made up) that it’s impossible not to smile while riding a jet ski. This fact applies to certain other things — watching a baby laugh, holding a banjo, and eating a sundae. After seeing Vampire Weekend, I’m now adding that experience to the list.
When the band came out to the song “All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled, I knew what kind of a night it was going to be. The opening band, The Very Best, alluded to what the night was going to offer, repeatedly referring to the show as a party — and a party it was.
It’s the perfect formula for a good time — a packed house, one of the best venues in South Florida, the Fillmore, and one of the most popular, fun-loving bands. Although this was just their second South Florida appearance, you would have thought they were natives by how warmly they were received. And despite the typical South Florida showers that put a damper on the day, spirits inside the Fillmore were at an all-time high.
That’s what has come to be expected from the four ivy-league chaps who always look like they’re minutes away from hopping on a sail boat and sailing away. Not this night though. Vampire Weekend anchored their vessel and played a set for their adoring fans that included a smorgasbord of songs from both of their successful albums.
Vampire Weekend makes it look easy to rock a crowd and trigger movement in usually stiff individuals. But how hard can that be when you have songs that sound as energetic and rhythmic as theirs? From “M79” to “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” every song they played not only inspired clapping and dancing, it also provided lead singer Ezra Koenig with a room full of back-up singers.
Bassist Chris Baio lost all inhibitions, and was not afraid to show it. He wasn’t doing “The Jerk” or “The two-step” up there, whatever it was, it was a dance all his own, but it was great. Drummer Chris Tomson ditched his preppy facade and became the wild, banging drummer who pounded the beat of the bass drum through the floor, into the crowd’s feet, and up to their spine. The only band member who looked out of place was Rostam Batmanglij, on keyboards and guitar. He seemed focused and concentrated on all the technicalities of the performance. It was probably his meticulous nature. After all, he did produce the bands second album, “Contra,” and is perhaps, one of the musical masterminds of the group.
A dazzling coordination of lights added to the visual spectacle that was the show. One instance, in which Ezra inspired the crowd to lift their hands and wiggle their fingers, is exactly what I was talking about when I was saying that there are some things you really can’t do without smiling. I had a smile on my face the whole time. It just does not get much better than this band, doing what they do best, and you being there to experience it for yourself. If you missed it, make sure you catch it next time.
