Vampire Weekend treated San Diego to an electrifying performance with special guests, La Lom, at Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
As the lights dimmed it was clear that this was going to be a night to remember. Vampire Weekend, who is known for their catchy and vibrant indie rock, is currently on tour supporting the release of their recent album Only God Was Above Us.
Kicking off the night was La Lom. La Lom, which is short for “The Los Angeles League of Musicians” brought their unique blend of latin-infused instrumentals to the stage, creating a soundscape that made one feel like sipping a mojito while sitting poolside. Their engaging stage presence and tight musicianship left a lasting impression, earning them new fans among the concert-goers. La Lom will release their debut album on August 9th via Verve Records.
Next came Vampire Weekend. For the first three songs, they performed as a trio in front of a minimalist curtain with “Vampire Weekend” written in large plain typeface, setting a simple yet elegant tone. The energy was kicked up when the curtain dropped during “Ice Cream Piano” to reveal a full-fledged band featuring two guitars, bass, keys, two drummers, and the occasional saxophone and violin. The stage was designed to resemble a NYC subway tunnel, complete with stage crew dressed as construction workers, adding a unique and immersive element to the performance.
Vampire Weekend delivered a dynamic setlist spanning their discography, from classics to newer hits. Standout performances included “Sunflower,” which at one point seamlessly transitioned into the Underground Theme from Super Mario Bros. Another unexpected highlight was their medley of “Married in a Gold Rush / All the Gold in California / Sin City / Cumberland Blues / Possum,” which transformed into an irresistible country shuffle, showcasing the band’s versatility and eclectic influences.. Notably, on this tour, the band has been taking song cover suggestions from the audience and trying anything, even if they’ve never played it before, making each performance unique. The night’s spontaneous covers included John Mellencamp’s “Jack & Diane” and The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven,”
As the nearly two-and-a-half-hour concert came to an end with the rousing “Walcott,” it was clear that Vampire Weekend had created an unforgettable experience for San Diego’s music fans, a testament to the band’s enduring appeal and their ability to craft memorable performances.
Catch Vampire Weekend on their next tour stop as they continue to support their new album Only God Was Above Us. Catch La Lom again on Thursday, October 3rd at The Observatory North Park.