Early last year, Vampire Weekend’s keyboardist Rostam Batmanglij announced his departure from Vampire Weekend. Since, Vampire Weekend has been working on their new album as a threesome.
Although both Rostam and lead singer Ezra Koenig says Rostam will continue to produce and work with the band, I can’t believe either will be as good as they could be without Rostam as a full-time band member.
Vampire Weekend is the brainchild of four Columbia University students. The chemistry continued after their graduation. As they continued into adulthood, Vampire Weekend became more than just a project.
Yet Rostam’s talent as a producer shows in other big names in music. He produced “Ivy” on Frank Ocean’s Blonde, Haim’s new album and works extensively with Hamilton Leithauser. He recently has been making his own music, with his first solo album, Half-Light, released earlier this month.
However, his solo music is subpar. The music itself is Vampire Weekend-esque, but with a voice that just doesn’t fit. As a backup singer to Vampire Weekend, Rostam’s voice fit the narrative.
Without Rostam, I think Vampire Weekend will sound empty. He gave their music the life that made it fun. Along with Koenig’s lyrics, Rostam produced a sound that fit. Without Rostam, I can’t see the music being the same.
Although he has previously stated that he is not a fan of playing live and is more comfortable in the studio, their live shows have always had charm because of their chemistry. Vampire Weekend’s humble beginnings translate into just college friends who have fun playing. Without Rostam being a permanent asset to the band, their music just won’t sound the same. Working with the band and being a part of the band are two very different means of production. Without Rostam creating the album itself, he’s leaving a Lennon/McCartney type duo without its McCartney.
Ezra’s words and Rostam’s production value can’t be beat as a team. However, one without the other seems empty and lifeless. The two work best as a team, and when the team is broken up, the music will be different. Collaboration brings out the best in artists, and without each other, Koenig and Batmanglij won’t be bringing their full potential to the table.
Shelby Campbell is a freshman studying journalism and political science at Ohio University. Please note that the views and opinions of the columnists do not reflect those of The Post. How do you feel about Vampire Weekend without Rostam? Let Shelby know by tweeting her @bloodbuzzohioan.
