Back and better than ever, US indie champions Vampire Weekend rock the roost with a second album that follows the same formula as their 2008 debut, but takes V.W to a higher plateau. Operation “Rule 2010” is in progress and Vampire Weekend look set to steal our hearts and minds.
Two singles have been released from the new album Contra, and these four deck shoe clad lads are set to be this year’s big guns. Horchata, released as a free download from the band’s website, and Cousins, hitting no.3 in the UK charts, are merely dazzling aperitifs from the second studio album. Contra delivers on almost every track, knocking you out of the park with their subtle indie fused African beats.
White Sky could’ve come from their superb self titled first LP in both sound and tune. But it also shows the progression of their music. It owns a certain air of confidence that feels richer. Giving Up The Gun takes this further, where lead singer Erza Koenig’s voice bounces wonderfully off the walls of your headphones, blissfully impressing at every turn. It’s a delicate electronic sound dressed in an Abercrombie polo shirt and an Ivy League education. A kind of A Punk Part II sits heavily with Californian English. In an “if it ain’t broken don’t fix it format”, like its predecessor, it sweeps its way into your nervous system, rocking you down to your chromosomes, shaking them into little VW’s at every opportunity.
I Think You’re A Contra is a definite highlight. Strings and piano keys tinkle simply in the background, as Koenig croons gently like a musical masseuse. It is a joy to behold and sheds light on the album’s mysterious title, singing “you wanted rock’n’roll, complete control...well i don’t know” – as the band judge a contradictive soul.
Vampire Weekend have taken the necessary steps to climb the ranks not only on the indie scene, but the music industry as a whole. What was originally brilliant about them has remained. Retaining the spark and continuing to stamp their unique sound onto the consciousnesses of music lovers today. On top of all of this they have now become the first indie band on a UK music label (XL Recordings) to reach US no.1 in more than two decades. So move over musical Goliaths of this world, David is armed with a guitar and stronger than ever.
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