Leaving behind many of the South African rhythms and Latin grooves of its previous output, Father of the Bride might be Vampire Weekend's most divergent album to date. After weathering various changes (the departure of longtime bend member Rostam Batmanglij, frontman Ezra Koenig's move to L.A.), the group embraces lush and all-encompassing pop songcraft that references country, jazz, hip-hop and the music of Japanese pop artist Haruomi Hosono. It's a logical evolution for a band that has always been smart about crafting music that transcends a mere homage to the artists that influenced it. At Northerly Island, L.A. psychedelic soul act Chicano Batman and Grateful Dead cover band Richard Pictures open the show.
In an effort to cut down on single-use plastics, Vampire Weekend will donate all proceeds from the sales of a reusable pint cup to the Chicago Parks Foundation.