Though I’ve heard much about Vampire Weekend, I hadn’t actually heard the band until recently when MySpace premiered their latest album exclusively. Contra is full of pop and new wave influences, making it a great listen. Especially for when you’re out on a nice spring day!
The first track, entitled “Horchata,” sounds absolutely adorable. It starts off slow with a melody played by what sounds like a jack in the box toy, but the beat gets big for the build up and you instantly find yourself grooving along. “Horchata” is truly a treat for your ears if you really listen carefully. Strings can be heard in the background under these crazy beats made up of everything under the sun. Ezra Koenig compliments all this very well, with his slightly whispery voice.
“White Sky” is very good as well because it displays Vampire Weekend’s talent for great beat-making. Everything is made better with claps and “White Sky” has it’s fair share while little bleeps and bloops dance around Koenig’s “oooo’s” and “aaaaa’s.” I’m blown away by just how much this band crams into one song without overwhelming the listener! It sounds so delicious, if that makes any sense! I think of cupcakes and candy when I hear this song, as weird as that sounds.
Not ones to limit themselves to beat machines, Vampire Weekend use “Holiday” to implement some ska, reggae and punk influenced guitars to give the listener the perfect vibe for this song about taking a much needed vacation. This is one of those songs that has a great beat, but the real reason you’re dancing is because of that guitar (and synth-produced guitar-like sounds).
Lastly, “Taxi Cab” is another beautiful sounding song on Contra. Along with the synthesized beats, we have some strings in the mix which, let’s face it, pretty up any song! The inclusion of a quick paced piano adds that last touch to a song that couldn’t sound any sweeter! Then, just when you think they’ve outdone themselves, a harpsichord comes into the mix and adds a touch of classical class.
Vampire Weekend’s Contra displays so much versatility while at the same time not making their album sound like each song was made by a different band. The songs highlighted above are all on the first half of the album and I wish I could highlight all the songs for you but there are simply not enough hours in a day! This album is such a musical treat, especially if you’re into pop and beat machines. If not, you should still give it a try, as Vampire Weekend seems to be greatly influenced by punk, pop, indie and new wave sounds. Come on, you can’t go wrong with that!
Contra will be released tomorrow, January 12th, 2010! Purchase it wherever fine music is sold!
Other Highlights
“Run”
“Cousins”
“Giving Up The Gun”
Buy the album at our record store on Amazon
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