Concertwire.com

Describing their sound as “Upper West Side Soweto,” New York City’s Vampire Weekend mixes preppy, well-read indie rock with joyful, Afro-pop-inspired melodies and rhythms. Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio, Rostam Batmanglij, and Chris Tomson formed the band early in 2006, while finishing up studies at Columbia University. Word spread quickly about Vampire Weekend’s unique sound and erudite lyrics. The band’s self-released EPs, were recorded in their Columbia dorm rooms and a family barn. Major success wasn't far off. Vampire Weekend signed with XL Records in 2007. The Mansard Roof EP was Vampire Weekend’s debut release for the label, followed by their self-titled first album early in 2008. Their latest recording, Contra, exploded in early January of this year. The band was all over TV (Conan, Letterman, Ferguson, SNL...) and staking out column space in seemingly every magazine still publishing. They are a magnetic group with legions of fans. We're stoked to have them here for Big Ears.