Latest Posts

Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam – I Had a Dream That You Were Mine

September 29, 2016

I Had a Dream That You Were Mine is the debut album from the partnership of Hamilton Leithauser and Rostam Batmanglij. Appropriately named Hamilton Leithauser + Rostam, the duo has found a delightful sound together as they venture into solo careers. Leithauser’s band The Walkmen are on an indefinite hiatus, and earlier this year Rostam left his group, the indie darlings Vampire Weekend. This collection of songs the pair has crafted is perfectly representative of their collective musical personas. Rostam possesses a mastery of the American songbook, as well as a penchant for DIY production techniques. Leithauser’s voice is unique and versatile, shifting through moods and tones with charisma. While his vocals take center stage and give the record direction, it is Rostam’s eclectic palette that is the backbone, expertly molding the arrangements. The two match wits, providing thoughtful counterpoint to one another as they dance through different styles and[...]

Vampire Weekend at the Outer Harbor (6/9/14)

June 10, 2014

To begin with the obvious: last night could not have been a more beautiful evening for an outdoor concert. Though I apparently am Buffalo-illiterate, confusing Canalside with the Outer Harbor, a ride on the water taxi over to the event, shuttling me from one part of the harbor to the other, was more than pleasant given the conditions. With all good weather factors in place (a light breeze, moderate summer temperatures, plenty of sun), Vampire Weekend had the elements working to their advantage. The band did not squander their opportunity to shine. After a solid but somewhat lackluster opening performance by Cults, Vampire Weekend were quick to take the audience by the throat, jumping immediately into the exuberant “Diane Young.” Frontman Ezra Koenig, despite maintaining a Twitter account worthy of a stand-up comedian, is straightforward on stage, keeping banter at a minimum, diving directly into his songs. Vampire Weekend require no banter to entertain, however, and[...]

Tonight: Vampire Weekend w/Cults

June 9, 2014

Today looks like a perfect day for an outdoor concert and what better band for this than Vampire Weekend. Still touring in support of their 3rd and strongest album to date, Modern Vampires of the City, the group seems to be on a perpetual victory lap. For after making two memorable appearances in Rochester recently, the band will be making their Buffalo debut (although I think they played with Dirty Projectors at Soundlab many many years ago before either band hit it big, which was probably amazing for a number of reasons). Tonight, they will be playing the Outer Harbor, a venue that seemingly became a summertime staple overnight. Rounding out this perfect indie summer concert is Cults, touring in support of the excellent sophomore release Static. The NYC band has quickly proven themselves to be a band on the rise and their live appearances are not to be missed. So, the[...]

Vampire Weekend and Contra

June 6, 2014

Last year we ran an article about Vampire Weekend’s Modern Vampires of the City. I basically just went song-by-song and tried to explain some of the more potentially obscure references and how I thought the songs fit into the larger thematic arc of the album. You can still read that piece, here, on the old buffaBLOG (from the “before times” in the “long, long ago.”) That article was pretty well received and some people said that it was nice to have some extra context in which to enjoy the songs, even if most of it was just pure speculation and interpretation on my part. So, in anticipation of Vampire Weekend’s upcoming show at the Outer Harbor on Monday, I’ve made some comments below on the rest of the band’s catalog, which includes all of the songs from their self-titled debut album and follow-up, Contra. Pick and choose from your favorite songs below[...]