VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Modern Vampires Of The City LP

Label: XL Recordings

At the time of its release, Modern Vampires of the City was touted as a "deeper" offering from Vampire Weekend. Instead of Contra's bright eclecticism, they opt for a less audacious production style and smaller instrumental palette.

Modern Vampires' quieter approach also showcases what might be most enduring about Vampire Weekend's music -- endearing melodies and carefully crafted lyrics. It also fits Ezra Koenig's preoccupations on this set of songs, chief among them the fact that we're all going to die.

The band sums up all of this brilliantly on "Step," where the music's hip-hop beats and harpsichords reflect the allusions to Souls of Mischief and growing pains in Koenig's lyrics.

Ultimately, Modern Vampires of the City is more thoughtful than dark, balancing its more serious moments with a lighter touch and more confidence than they've shown before. Even if Koenig and company fear getting old, maturity suits them well.