SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: VAMPIRE WEEKEND – ONLY GOD WAS ABOVE US

VAMPIRE WEEKEND
ONLY GOD WAS ABOVE US
COLUMBIA RECORDS

Vampire Weekend recently released their fifth studio album, Only God Was Above Us. This follows Father of the Bride, their fourth studio album, which came out nearly five years ago. In anticipation of the album’s release, they released a handful of singles. Not only is Only God Was Above Us the magnum opus for a band that consistently delivers exceptional work, but it is also a future classic that is likely to endure longer than the group itself.

Only God Was Above Us starts with the track “Ice Cream Piano”, and this track evokes a few things that will remain in the album going forward. First of all, this track is a true masterpiece in terms of how the production and lyrics work so well together. Even more, simply stating that it was meticulously put together may be an insult to how specific it all feels. This track’s key components, the stunning vocals and songwriting, captivate throughout and ensure a smooth flow for any listener. This song evokes a sense of nostalgia that, as this album goes on, will really be a core component of many tracks. Furthermore, the album as a whole maintains the same level of quality as this single track.

One of the greatest elements of Only God Was Above Us is its pure consistency. There is no bad track, and there is no track that doesn’t fit. If there was ever one part of Only God Was Above Us that stood out from the rest, though, it would be “Capricorn”, which stands as possibly their best song to date. “Capricorn” showcases all the thought and skill that goes into each song, with its utter magnificence thanks to catchy and gripping lyrics and stunning production. That’s not even to mention the song’s hypnotic quality. It’s a song that captures what Only God Was Above Us does best by providing an experience. On its own, the song is fine, but within the album, it is another mesmerising addition to a group of songs that capture not just an attitude of reflection and nostalgia but also a strong look at, simply, life itself.

Only God Was Above Us is an illustration of a band at the peak of their craft, with creativity and detail through the roof but, most importantly, a strong consistency on each track. If there was ever something to nitpick past Vampire Weekend albums for, it would be a lack of consistency. Well, not anymore, as they have demonstrated here a level of detail and consistency that breaks that curse wide open. If I were to try and find something to criticise this album for, it would be simply a tiny indulgence with some concepts over lyrics and vocals that take away from some tracks.

Overall, Only God Was Above Us is more than just a band at the peak of their artistry; it is also one of the best albums of the year, filled with awe-inspiring production and a consistency of greatness throughout each track.

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