The Flaming Lips meets The Shins. That would be the simple way of describing Vampire Weekend’s newest record. Though the thing is, there is nothing simple about it. With Contra, the little indie band from New York that could, actually does.With it being the band’s second full length studio album, Contra, solidifies the Vampire Weekend sound and at the same time, invokes a unique recognition of “this could work” in the world of popular music. With a blend of interesting harmonies, quirky lyrics from lead singer Ezra Koenig, and an intense but melodic keyboard and guitar presence, Contra is a thrilling and very entertaining listen beginning to end. And it only takes a startling 36 minutes to get through.
The album kicks off with its quirkiest song in “Horchata” and quickly progresses through some fun tunes like “White Sky”, “Holiday”, and “Run”. While the first six songs on the record are good, the real fun begins with the last four in “Cousins”, “Giving Up The Gun”, “Diplomat’s Sun”, and “I Think UR A Contra”. “Cousins”, is the first single off the record and is by far the loudest and rockiest. The others personify what this band could end up being all about. Koenig’s lyrics serve a distinct purpose and are delivered in a way that fits all to perfectly with the fast drum beats in “Gun”, the quiet keyboards in “Diplomat’s”, and the spaciness of “Contra”. It all works and it all makes sense.
In 2008, Vampire Weekend’s “A-Punk”, was number four on Rolling Stone’s top songs of 2008. Will any songs from Contra be on the list in 2010? We can’t say yet for sure. What we can say is this: Contra will stand the test of time this year and possibly many years to come as an overall good record, but more importantly, a defining record for a band ready and able to move up the ranks in the world of rock and roll.
Straight Lines Music grade for Vampire Weekend’s Contra ***1/2 out of 5
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