VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Contra
VAMPIRE WEEKEND - Contra
Written by Sarah Mudgway   
Monday, 15 February 2010 21:44
Vampire Weekend - Contra VAMPIRE WEEKEND have never been a band to play it safe... and their second album ‘CONTRA’, only extends this ethic of intricacy, experimentation and intelligence, which is not often found in mainstream charts.

‘Contra’ defied all expectations and odds recently, when it found itself debuting at number one on the American Billboard album charts - a position usually held by more radio-ruined artists such as Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Ke$ha.

The ten track album opens with ‘Horchata’ - a subtle piece with a decidedly Summer feel, its intricacy is hidden between layers of instruments, which all serve as a perfect melody for vocalist Ezra Koenigs’ unique voice.
It is immediately striking at how much emphasis is put in the vocals on the album, creating their own texture which rises above the already complex melodies held by the instruments. It takes true talent to piece it all together in a way Vampire Weekend have - it would have been all too easy for it to become a little too much. However, Vampire Weekend have truly hit their musical nail right on the head with this one.

‘White Sky’ has been a live favourite amongst fans for a while (catch it live in April when Vampire Weekend grace our shores for a one off, not-to-be-missed show), and is a throwback to their debut album - using the same inspiration of African vibes and rhythms, which quickly became a somewhat signature style for the band - this time though, Vampire Weekend have taken it to a new level, which showcases the bands ever-increasing maturity.

‘Holiday’ has a very third-wave ska feel about it, reminiscent of Operation Ivy, while ‘Taxi Cab’ utilizes classical pianos and harpsichords to create a haunting and almost renaissance-like feel. Immediately following is ‘Run’, which catapults the listener into the second half of the album - with experimentation in rhythm, which shifts from heavy choruses to reggae-like verses. ‘Contra’ really does cater for all, touching the bases of almost every musical genre, in a way not many artists can pull off well.

Ending the album with ‘I Think Ur A Contra’ - the first Vampire Weekend song written with acoustic guitar – the song is suitably dark, and a fitting way to end an album full of life and energy.

“Here comes a feeling you thought you’d forgotten...” - the feeling of a talented band maturing and producing an album so full of individuality and so far, from the generic beats and auto-tuned-everything which are dominating the charts. ‘Contra’ is a breath of fresh air; well-deserving of a cherished place in your music library.

And if that isn’t enough, Vampire Weekend are bringing their live talents down-under, for one show in Auckland on April 29th at the Bruce Mason Centre. General tickets go on sale Monday the 22nd of February through Ticketmaster. Tickets will sell fast, so don’t delay!
 

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