To date, Vampire Weekend has repeatedly lived up to their hype – Spin magazine gave them a cover shot prior to releasing their debut album and now their sophomore release, Contra, is already slated as one of the most anticipated of 2010, and it’s January. Let’s take a second to ponder the importance of the second LP in any bands career. Will the band stick around or will they fade away into a one record wonderness? It is safe to say that VW has failed to disappoint many and anyone serious about what they let into their ears should really hear this record.
The opening track, “Horchata,” is an interesting, eclectic mix of African rhythms fused with a few bars reserved for what sounds like a xylophone and it also has a string section – very danceable, short and catchy pop tune that definitely sets the tempo of the album.
The album continues in a rhythmic style with bopping synth effects on “White Sky” and “Holiday” and surfer riff interludes on “California English” and the album’s first single, “Cousins.”
Side B offers more electro pop, almost reggae-ish – a Bedouin Soundclash with a synthesizer, like “Diplomats Son.” The album’s final track, “I Think UR A Contra,” is the slowest and most heartfelt jam – an excellent piece of songwriting.
Definite influences like the Clash come through in many ways. It has been said that the title, Contra itself, is an ode to Sandinista! The album consists of an array of (almost) tribal sounds, with string sections and electro-pop effects that seem to be the most overused commodity at the moment, but they manage to keep it fresh.
Overall, Contra is a collection of catchy, danceable, three minute pop songs. The record clocks in at 36 minutes. After a thorough listen, VW lives up to their hype. But really, did you expect anything less?
Published by The Music Slut
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