Vampire Weekend “Harmony Hall”

Our favorite indie-pop explorers Vampire Weekend have finally returned after a 6-year break, announcing their forthcoming album Father of the Bride. Across three critically acclaimed albums – spanning 2008-2013 – the band effortlessly blended genre lines, while also pulling from all corners of the musical spectrum to influence their highly-identifiable sound. But, following their excellent (and grammy-winning) Modern Vampires of the City the band took on a different shape with Rostam leaving the outfit (while still remaining open to a collaborative role), and then a spell of silence.

No longer.

“Harmony Hall” is a grand return for VW (and their fans). Ezra Koenig’s musings of life are always shrouded in a bit of mystery (hyperbole?) and wit, and that’s certainly the case here, but he’s pretty direct with the line: “I don’t want to live like this, but I don’t want to die…” What also stands out are the sonic connections to Rolling Stones-esque melodic keys throughout the track and all manner of guitar licks culled from the Grateful Dead’s catalogue. It’s a vibrant, sunshine-baked track that will warm your winter blues.

It’s definitely been quite awhile, but it sounds like time well spent for Ezra (and co).