Vampire Weekend to open this summer's Eden Sessions
Vampire Weekend will make a much-anticipated return to the Eden Sessions to play the first show of the year on June 24, 2010 with special guests Broken Bells.
The New York indie quartet, named after a film made by lead-singer Ezra Koenig, first played against the backdrop of the famous Biomes in 2008. They were special guests to The Raconteurs at what many consider to be one of the best Eden Sessions in the gigs' nine-year history.
Famed for their sunny African- and classically-influenced tunes peppered with literary and historical references, Vampire Weekend hit the top 20 in the UK with their self-titled, self-produced debut album in January 2008.
The record went platinum and the singles "Oxford Comma", "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa", "A-Punk" and "Mansard Roof" became an integral part of the soundtrack to the year.
This January saw the release of the band's second record Contra, which reached number three in the UK album chart, topped the US chart and has so far spawned the singles Cousins and Giving Up the Gun. Vampire Weekend were nominated in the Best International Band category at this year's NME Awards.
Broken Bells are an indie-rock duo comprising Brian Burton (otherwise known as Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley fame) and James Mercer, lead singer and guitarist for The Shins. The group released their self-titled debut last month to critical acclaim and a top-ten berth in the US charts.
James takes on vocals, guitars and bass duties while Brian plays organ, drums, piano, synths and bass. The pair play all the instruments on the album with the exception of a full string section arranged by Daniele Luppi. "The High Road" and "Vaporize" are the first two singles from the record.
Tjarko Wieringa, Eden Sessions Creative Director, said: "We're thrilled to be welcoming Vampire Weekend back to Eden after they played such a magnificent set here two years ago. In the intervening period they've become one of the biggest and best indie bands in the world and, with two albums now under their belts, have created an unmistakable sound.
"We're also in the privileged position to be able to showcase Broken Bells, a collaboration between one of the best producers in the world and the singer-songwriter of The Shins, one of the finest indie bands of recent years. What a fantastic way to kick off a summer of live music at Eden!"
Vampire Weekend and Broken Bells join a stellar Sessions line-up, which also features Jack Johnson and Mojave 3 (June 26 - sold out), Mika (June 27), Doves and Mumford & Sons (July 2 - sold out), a dance extravaganza with Calvin Harris, Annie Mac, Audio Bullys and Reverend Soundsystem (July 3) and Paolo Nutini & Martha Wainwright (July 13 - sold out).
The Sessions are famed not only for bringing top acts to Cornwall but also for their festival feel, with extra bands and entertainers playing around the site in the run-up to the main event. Massage and alternative therapies will also be showcased around Eden on the day of each Session.
Tickets for the Vampire Weekend and Broken Bells Session went on sale to members of the Inside Track programme April 20 and on general release at 6pm on Tuesday April 27. They are priced at £35 plus booking fee.
To buy tickets call the Eden box office on 01726 811972.
Eden Sessions Official Website
Eden Project Official Website
Vampire Weekend Official Website
Broken Bells Official Website
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