See stuff for
| Rating |  |
| Album name | Contra |
| Artist | Vampire Weekend |
| Label | XL Recordings |
| Release date | 11 Jan |
Playing Barrowlands, Glasgow on 13 Feb and Picture House, Edinburgh on 14 Feb.
Vampire Weekend were easily one of the surprise success stories of 2008. Four white men trapped in black men trapped in white men’s bodies, playing music not heard since your parent’s living room circa 1987. With follow-up Contra, the New York quartet are likely to face that most inane of criticisms; it sounds just like Vampire Weekend. Such is the definite furrow they plough that this is something still likely to dog the band when they release album number fourteen. Contra doesn’t contain as much pop smarts as their eponymous debut, but then that record was such an explosion of ideas and styles that this seems more considered by comparison. That’s not to say it’s better, as their afro-rumba dance contains a couple of missteps, notably the meandering, vocoder-heavy California English, but the likes of lead single Horchata and the spry electro-bop of Run are certainly the equal of A-Punk or Oxford Comma. It's definitely a case of twice bitten. [Darren Carle]
I think that's bullshit personally, while some may argue the first album was better, they have no doubt stepped up their game and given a perfect level of change in their sound. New instruments, more impressive vocals, and more complicated parts. Mixed with a variety of new influences, no doubt.
To call this album un-original and the same is honestly a blatant disregard for talent, and written by someone who obviously does not have much of a taste for this genre of music.
I most definitely agree with Chola Mola. If you listen to songs such as run or white sky next to cape cod kwassa kwassa or bryn you can definately tell that the newer songs are much improved. they are more intricate on all levels; vocals, guitar, keyboard, and even a fairly new sound... I think is very wrong to say they are white men trapped in black men trapped in white men's bodies. their style is very original and interesting. Personally, i think it deserves 5 stars. i bought it, and now only two days after it came out, it has reached number one on itunes in the US!! Congratulations Vampire Weekend!!!
To say they are white men trapped in black men trapped in white men's bodies reflects that their style is interesting no? Thats certainly the way I took it. Calm down love.