Vampire Weekend

Before their live performance of "2021" at the O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester on November 9, 2019, Vampire Weekend had just released their album "Father of the Bride" earlier that year in May. This marked a significant evolution in their sound, steering toward more eclectic influences including elements of folk and rock, enhanced by collaborations with artists like Daniel Caesar and Steve Lacy. The song "2021" is notable for its rich instrumentation and catchy melodies, showcasing lead singer Ezra Koenig's signature style. During the performance, Koenig impressively employs a Talkbox, a tool that adds a unique sonic layer, reminiscent of Peter Frampton’s iconic use. This live recording encapsulates a moment when the band was not just revisiting their roots, but boldly experimenting, bridging their early, intellectual sound with a more diverse musical palette.

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