The start of summer solstice brought indie rock veterans Vampire Weekend to Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle — delivering a captivating performance that spanned their genre-bending discography. Kicking off the night with original members Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio, and Chris Tomson performing “Hold You Now” from 2019’s Father of the Bride, the trio filled the arena with excitement as they jammed beneath the glimmer of their spotlights, and a black curtain emblazoned with “Vampire Weekend” served as their backdrop.
Together, the three performed “Cousins” and “Holiday” from 2010’s Contra before transitioning to newer release “Ice Cream Piano” from the tour’s namesake album Only God Was Above Us. Reaching mid-song triggered the release of their curtain to reveal a gray and sepia-toned backdrop of a large futuristic cavern, matching the band’s monochromatic outfits. Joining them were additional touring members on keys, guitar, saxophone, strings and percussion, as well as an interpretive dancer to complement the ensemble.
Playing fan-favorites like “Step,” “M79,” “Campus,” “Oxford Comma,” “Diane Young,” “A-Punk,” and concluding with “Hope,” the band returned to the stage for an encore and took audience requests for any non-Vampire Weekend songs to attempt. In what was warned as either “the best or worst part of the show” by Koenig, the results were chaotic and hilarious partial covers of Radiohead’s “Creep,” The Cure’s “Just like Heaven,” The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside,” and a rendition of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” — cut short by Koenig, who didn’t want to butcher the beloved song in front of the latter band’s hometown. Vampire Weekend’s energy was infectious and effervescent, with Koenig’s witty banter and charming stage presence winning over the entire crowd.
As the show came to a close, the arena was drenched with hues of blue and gold as the band ended the night with a grand finale of “Walcott,” culminating a night filled with beautiful soundscapes, and a spectacular welcome to the summer season.
Fans across North America can catch Vampire Weekend’s Only God Was Above Us tour as it continues through October. More information on tickets and the rest of tour dates can be found on the band’s website.
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