Vampire Weekend stopped by Saturday Night Light last night to stoke the quickly rising flames for their third album, Modern Vampires of the City, due out next Tuesday (May 14). Kristin Wiig returned to host of the show that launched her career and delivered a handful of musical highlights of her own via Garth and Kat, Dooneese Maharelle, and that Pointer Sisters homage. But “Unbelievers,” seen above, had the most to offer — a bright and powerful combination of piano power, heavy strum and four-four kick. A small brass (plus flute) section brought the Paul Simon-channeling song to a glorious end. “Diane Young” was solid but a slightly awkward fit, its rockabilly vibes undercut by moments of instrumental silence while Ezra Koenig sings the odd hook. The close-up on his face while the vocals are being manipulated by unseen forces brought to mind a “shreds” clip, but the honking baritone sax brought viewers back into the room. Check that one out below.
