Rostam Batmanglij is still perhaps best known as a founding member of Vampire Weekend, playing on and producing their first three albums, but in recent years he has quietly crafted a solo catalogue worth celebrating. His latest release is ‘American Stories’, an eclectic mix of lyrical tales worthy of the title, building upon the foundations of his previous work while tapping into his roots in Tehran.
Like a Spark begins with a bluesy twang that hints at something Americana-based before segueing into an acoustic, singer-songwriter track. There are certainly shades of Vampire Weekend in some of the instrumentation and off-kilter nature here, but it’s deeply personal as he sings of wanting to feel free.
There is a quiet beauty to the downbeat Forgive Is To Know, which brings the classical influences of his earlier solo stuff to the forefront in a similar fashion to Hardy, which features Clairo and the use of strings.
Here, the duo’s vocals sit well alongside each other on what is one of the record’s strongest tracks but, elsewhere, ‘American Stories’ is a departure from this sound.
Marrying both east and west, while drawing from more traditional American genres like blues and country, it’s a move that seems natural, showcasing his singularity as a writer and performer. This is a winning collection that puts Rostam’s background and heritage at the heart of the conversation.
It is a raw, celebratory record, its stripped back approach allowing room for poetic lyrics and a winning blend of American roots music and influences from his ancestral home. There are plenty of layers to ‘American Stories’ but, at its core, this is a cultural observation with a unique personal spin, one that feels timely and effortless.
Rostam Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Tue September 08 2026 - LONDON Village Underground
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