Surfer Rock Says So Long, Summer With Vampire Weekend

Last night all the odds were playing against me: A huge venue, looming storm clouds, an all-ages event, three bands I don’t particularly care for and a ticket with directions to a seat. Well it took some maneuvering but once I stole a spot closer to a writer friend of mine (and closer to the stage) I awkwardly sat down and let the new experience take me over.

Cardigans, tights, flannel and boyfriend jackets were out in full force as the first handful of trendy young things showcased their autumn collections/new finds at Urban Outfitters. Whether or not you love or hate the crap in stores right now it’s really unbelievable how many people out there are dressed exactly the same.

Dum Dum Girls

Taken from the Dum Dum Girls’s website – check it out!

Dee Dee, Jules, Bambi and Sandy soon took the stage and with quite a introduction. Starting off their set with The Stones’ “Play with Fire” was ambitious to say the least, but they couldn’t have pulled it off any better. The tiny foursome donned in fishnets and leather-lace may have been dwarfed by the massive stage, but their angelic harmonies paired perfectly with badass bass and it didn’t take much effort for their infectious sound to hit each seat that was slowly but surely filling up for the following acts.

Just as the Dum Dum Girls rounded off their set with “Everybody’s Out”, and another epic lo-fi surf rock song, I escaped to find some more fashion targets. It’s amazing how many kids out there are actually listening to their parents though, I’ve never found so many concert-goers afraid of having their photos taken. Maybe it’s because mom and pop were just around the corner… But there were definitely some friendly faces too. As far as fashion goes? Maybe you guys can be the judge.

Beach House

Press Photo of Beach House courtesy of Elizabeth Flyntz

Pink Mafia saw the Baltimore duo at this year’s Toronto Island Fest and my god what a difference a venue makes! Lead songstress Victoria Legrand has a voice that could paralyze an army and you don’t necessarily hear that on their album Teen Dream but in the Ampitheatre, we were all mesmerized.

As the sun set and gave way to a wintry breeze, Legrand and her partner in music Alex Scally didn’t waste any time getting to Teen Dream’s best songs like “Norway,” and “Walk in the Park.” Their ethereal quality makes them a step beyond The XX and they perform with a modesty that makes the experience even more fulfilling come the end of the set.

Vampire Weekend

Ape-shit is an understatement when the kings of hipster took stage, everyone in the pit jumped sky-high and thankfully the seated areas blew up too. After seeing Vampire Weekend at Roger’s Picnic a few years ago, I wasn’t totally sold, but after this concert I have to admit I kind of want to sit and listen to their album with a margarita and pretend it’s summer all over again. Ezra Koenig and his b-mates along with a willing crowd said farewell to summer with, “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa,” and you know what? It was kind of beautiful.

Even the breeze blew warmer as the fourtet rolled through their songs with energy that truly matched the crowd. Drummer Christopher Tomson, gotta hand it to you for doing your thing in a wool sweater the entire night. The band has certainly grown since their sound at the start (kind of where Born Ruffians is now) and each anthem is packed with a theatrical quality that crosses the Lion King soundtrack with incredible pop hooks that had everyone singing along.

Bottom Line: Believe the hype. This summer deserved a fond farewell and all these bands are well worth seeing again.

Unless stated otherwise, words & photos by Courtney-Lee Yip