WERS 88.9 fm Album Review: Vampire Weekend - Contra

January 21, 2009

Vampire Weekend claim their influences are Afro-pop and western classical. It might sound like an odd mix, but that obscurity is why Vampire Weekend fascinated many fans with their debut album Vampire Weekend. It was about exploring and examining two completely different mindset genres, and taking it easy to see if this concept would work.

Their second album, Contra, grabbed a ton of attention even before it came out - people could not wait to hear what they were going to do next. Contra proves that the band has got their sound down. Every single song on this album strongly represents the sound the band found on their first album.

The track "Cousins," shows Vampire Weekend's comfort level with their sound. With a fast-paced drum beat accompanied with the lead singer Ezra Koenig's high pitch voice, this tune instantly captures your attention. "Diplomat's Son," is also an ear-opener with an M.I.A. sample that loops throughout the tune. On these songs, Vampire Weekend proves they know how to produce catchy-yet-original tunes with whatever resource they have.

Intensity seems to be the theme of the album, but "Taxi Cab," makes you think twice. Starting with pleasant piano riffs, Koenig carefully lays out his vocals on top of very grounding cello tracks. The song is so soothing and comfortable that it almost sounds like a lullaby. Yet you can't help but get sucked into layered beats and melodies, which is what Vampire Weekend is all about.

"California English," is an epitome of their apparent influence from African pop. The exotic melody and drum beats make the listener bob their head. It's not the rhythm of rock 'n' roll, blues, or any genre that is prevalent in America, but Vampire Weekend's own twist with classical music and American interpretation creates a connection between their music and the listeners.

Contra is not an album you have on the background for housework or cooking. It demands your full attention. The band took something unfamiliar to the public such as African pop and tweaked it enough to make their own. 

-By Lily Jeong