Contra

Artist: Vampire Weekend
Label: Remote Control
Website: www.vampireweekend.com

We can't get enough

It would be easy to say that they did it again - but they did it again. Vampire Weekend avoid the sophomore slump by resting on their talents but expanding their dimensions.

What makes VW’s style of indie pop so infectious is that their songs are memorable, foot-tapping and timeless. Repeat listens of Contra don’t immediately grab you like their debut, but as a whole the record is in it for the long haul with a smooth swagger that hits with the same level of impact.

Sure, first single “Cousins” is a tightly wound guitar-driven track but one of the most “big” sounding songs, “Giving Up the Gun” is a mid-tempo number that gets in your head with subtle lyrics and a catchy undertone beat.

What really makes Contra stand out as a stellar sophomore effort is its more ballad type numbers with the slow storytelling “Taxi Cab” and superb thought-wandering closer “I Think Ur a Contra”.

Vampire Weekend once again provide an album experience with Contra that takes you for an enjoyable 36 minute ride, which hits perfect peaks and welcoming valleys with a combo of punk, ska and African pop that easily makes them one of the best indie bands right now doing their thing – their way – with no equal.

Sam DaMatta

For more of Sam DaMatta's music reviews, check out The Fire Note