Vampire Weekend is an American indie-rock band formed in New York in the mid-2000s around Ezra Koenig, Chris Baio, Chris Tomson and, originally, Rostam Batmanglij. The group became known for a bright and sophisticated sound blending indie rock, pop, African influences, classical music and highly melodic arrangements. With albums such as Vampire Weekend, Contra, Modern Vampires of the City and Father of the Bride, the band became one of the most recognized acts in contemporary American indie music.