C

ontra is here!

I’ve been waiting for this one for a while now. Contra, the new release from Vampire Weekend became available this past Monday. Of course, the album was available for streaming in its entirety for a week or so prior on myspace but I managed to hold back. The truth is, Vampire Weekend is one of those special cases that comes around once in a blue moon, usually when you least expect it. I felt I owed it to the countless plays I gave “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” and “Bryn” this past year to wait for an official copy of Contra, and to sit down and listen to the album in full when I had a moment to breathe.

Here’s what I think. I went in expecting to love the album, so it’s no surprise to me that I’m enjoying track after track as I sit here listening. Having said that, I’m very familiar with their sound and their direction. This definitely feels like a sequel that you might need to enjoy after experiencing the original. Anyone with taste will like it regardless, but to get the most from it, listen to Vampire Weekend first. This isn’t like watching Jason X where you can just jump in and enjoy seeing Jason kill tweens in space instead of at Camp Crystal Lake in Friday the 13th. I think newcomers should without a doubt give the self titled debut a spin before listening to this sophomore effort.

The sound is more complex and electronic than its predecessor. Vampire Weekend’s arrangements were reminiscent of the most polished elementary school music class ever. I mean that as an extreme compliment. I like the glockenspiel.

Their sound is undeniably unique and it’s maintained on Contra. It does, however, feel like more of an effort to listen to. The simple hipster/Afro/prep style is somewhat fogged in more complex music. There aren’t stand out catchy singles on here like “A-Punk” or “The Kids Don’t Stand a Chance,” but that doesn’t mean the new tracks aren’t great. The pace feels faster, the lyrics are more abundant and maybe even a little more complex. Having had the year to prepare, I’m more than glad to participate. I’d say I’m on my fourth listen right now, give or take a couple of extra listens to the tracks I especially like.

I’ve always liked “Horchata,” the track that was released a few months early to give listeners a taste of the new stuff. The melodic tunes of “White Skies” are great. I like the cooing. This track is more or less what I was hoping for from the album, so having it on here leaves me satisfied. Therefore, I don’t have a problem with having to pay extra attention to tracks that are much more complex like the more frantic “California English” or “Cousins.” I’ve been listening to “Diplomat’s Son” and “Giving Up the Gun” on repeat. I also especially like the bonus track, “Giant.”

What it comes down to is that with each passing album, artists who are receiving an abundance of critical acclaim, great sales, publicity, etc. are pressured to evolve. I think Vampire Weekend made the judgment call to make an album for the fans rather than one that could have easily capitalized on their mainstream exposure from the past few months. For that I am very grateful, and Contra should leave the fans well-satiated for at least another year or so. However, “Bryn” will remain my track of choice.

Oh, and with regards to the post title, I like Spike too.