8/10

When Vampire Weekend released their 2019 LP 'Father Of The Bride', many were apprehensive about how they would continue without founding member Rostam Batmanglij, given how integral he had been to their sound from the beginning. But despite that, they returned with one of their most revered records to date, and continued to ascend as one of the more distinctive names in the indie-pop arena. And with some time passed since then, they are back once again with their fifth full-length 'Only God Was Above Us', a record that looks to continue those vibrant ways once again.

What has been most admirable about Vampire Weekend since there earliest inception is how they are able to create something fresh and distinctive while always staying true to their core aesthetic, something they prove once again on 'Only God Was Above Us'. Keeping the length of the release wrapped up in their spritely appeal, they are able to explore a multitude of other ideas that take them all the way from jazz to punk and back again, delivering one of their most eclectic offerings to date in the process.

While there probably aren't as many radio-friendly hits this time around, 'Only God Was Above Us' is still a wildly enjoyable ride from start to finish. Captivating with their unique approach to production and sound, they return brighter and more assured than ever before.