Vampire Weekend knows its festivals

Coachella, Lollapalooza, Glastonbury, Outside Lands and now Life Is Beautiful — Vampire Weekend has become as synonymous with major music festivals in 2013 as strained eyeballs and sore legs from standing in large fields, pining to see bands all day.

Why has the New York City indie rock quartet become such an in-demand act on the festival circuit?

Because they’re festive, natch.

Well, they’re festive sounding, at least, as frontman Ezra Koenig’s contemplative, occasionally cutting lyrics aren’t exactly the stuff of ticker-tape parades and beach parties.

On their latest record, “Modern Vampires in the City,” the group largely eschews the Afrobeat underpinnings that distinguished their first two albums in favor of carefully crafted alt-pop that raises spirits even when Koenig’s spirits seem down.

“The world is a cold, cold place to be,” he sings on “Unbelievers.” “Want a little warmth.”

Try listening to one of your records, guy.

­— Jason Bracelin