Vampire Weekend

For those who don't know Vampire Weekend, leave town.

In lieu of their new album (Contra) recently leaking/streaming on myspace, i'll drop a few words about one of the only good indie bands to come out of New York in the last decade (Pitchfork approved, you hipster fags!).

Upon receiving critical acclaim for their debut self-titled album, guitarist/leadvocalist Ezra Koenig claimed that the band was an africanpop + westernfolk fusion band. Crazy right? Apparently not. 3 UK charting singles and a Top 25 Modern Rock chart appearance later, they decided to start working on a new album.

As soon as i started spinning it(metaphorically), I immediately knew I would enjoy the album. The opening track is an immediate warm up for this cold-ass turn of weather, and it keeps you warm all the way through.

For this one, they decided to base loosely upon one of their biggest influences, the Clash. There are a few lyrical moments where there are direct allusions to Clash songs ("I Think Ur a Contra") and a couple heavily clash-esque guitar hooks. However, Koenig still keeps his guitar running at a VW pace, maintaining their distinct style.

One of the reasons I most enjoy this album is the low production quality sound that you don't typically hear in (fake)most indiepop formulas these days. It gives the entire album a really laid-back, takeitasitcomes attitude, which takes serious balls.

The positivity behind the sound and lyrics is another aspect that sets VW apart from the group. You can tell these guys are having the time of their lives, clearly not giving a fuck about the pressure associated with their new found fame. That in itself is what makes the album what it is: A stripped-down, popped-up, 10-track story of a couple guys doing what they love.

Listen: While cooking.

82%

Key Tracks: Cousins (first single), Diplomat's Son (samples M.I.A.), I Think Ur a Contra (try to find the clash reference!).