In 2008 Columbia graduates Vampire Weekend set the world alight with their self-titled debut album. The release, boasting a joyful blend of African beats, infectious pop hooks and youthful enthusiasm, eased its way into the US and UK Top 20 aided by a wave of blogosphere hysteria.
The New Yorkers’ 2010 sophomore effort ‘Contra’ sees a maturing from enthusiasm to subtlety and is typified by more contemplative lyrics while maintaining a playful sense of humour. Trademark off-beat guitars are still an uplifting quirk of their work but these are layered over a backbone of understated synthesised pulses rather than carnival-esque percussion. There is the occasional exception such as first single ‘Cousins’; a polka boogie complete with crude acoustic drums.
For those bemoaning expended festive joy, Xmas 2010 seems to have arrived 11 months early. You could say that, if 2008’s ‘Vampire Weekend’ is a soundtrack for summer, then ‘Contra’ is an equally apt soundtrack for winter.
We wouldn’t want to make any bold statements but ‘Contra’ is undoubtedly one of the best albums of the year so far.
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Guest post by Kenny the Tormentor.
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TRACKS:
Vampire Weekend – Horchata
