Category Archives: Baroque Rock

Vampire Weekend ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’

Vampire Weekend have returned, greeting their tune thirsty fans with a warm, cosy and instantly satisfying two track combo. ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’ are the first tracks released from the band’s upcoming fourth album, ‘Father of the Bride’.

In true Vampire Weekend fashion ‘Harmony Hall’ floods through with rich opulent sounds and textures to tantalize and enrich the senses. It’s as if Vampire Weekend have announced the bright beautiful coming of spring and thawing of winter. Soft guitars twinkle around the delicate melody while each verse and track progression introduces a new subtle element as the song unfolds into a blossoming beauty. There is a subtle,elegant, baroque element between a jazz flavoured piano. The piano flurries through,ever so delicately and charmingly unwrapping the delightful goodness within the song. Ezra Koenig’s velvety vocals caress and comfort the melty melody with a sprinkling of sugary delight while the elastic bass grooves, shuffling percussion and buoyant drums maintain the playful boppy foundation. The track, which features the closing lyrics “I don’t wanna live like this, but I don’t wanna die” from ‘Finger Back’ on their previous album Modern Vampires of the City is cosy and a little cryptic as Koenig leaves a nice little trail of lyrical bread crumbs for his dedicated fans to follow. With a Simon & Garfunkel -esque harmony and romantic tinted coating, Vampire Weekend ensured their return would be worth the wait.

‘2021’ is a sweet little track coming in at less than 2 minutes, this addictive ditty glides upon subtle instrumentation of warm guitar, twinkling keys and tapping hi- hat while Koenig softly and emotionally croons the sweet lyrics. With a falsetto sample singing “Boy” between the lush delicacy this track has a repetitive hypnotic charm to it that is difficult to resist.

Stream ‘Harmony Hall’ and ‘2021’ below


The Lemon Twigs ‘These Words’

The Lemon Twigs are brothers Brian (19 years old) and Michael (17) D’Addario. The duo present us with their unique style of baroque rock through their new single ‘These Words’. On my first listen of this track ill admit i was dumbfounded, first thoughts were “wow how do i describe this” followed by “I need to hear more”. The Lemon Twigs blend mystical music with blissful melodic pop all while adding sprinkles of jazz and a snazzy solo on keys.This track is ridiculously catchy with a velvety slick ear worm chorus and rich lush uplifting harmony. The soft tender vocals for the verse are delicate and creamy and have a hazy daydream effect.  ‘These Words’ will transport you to a skewed 1960s era of euphoric melodies with a 21st century twist. This track is tightly bound together with such precision and skill that shows fantastic musicianship from the these young brothers. The Lemon Twigs’ debut album ‘Do Hollywood’ will be released October 14 and boy it looks promising.
Watch the video for ‘These Words’ below