Our new guest blogger, Jordon Chiarelli, shares his thoughts on the album. To date, Vampire Weekend has repeatedly lived up to their hype. Spin magazine gave them a cover shot prior to the release of their debut album and now their sophomore release, Contra, is already slated as one of the most anticipated of 2010, and it’s January. Let’s take a second to ponder the importance of the second LP in any band’s career. Will the act stick around or will they fade away into a one record wonderness? It is safe to say that VW has failed to disappoint many and anyone serious about what they let into their ears should really hear this record. The opening track, ‘Horchata’, is an interesting fusion of African rhythms alongside a few bars reserved for what sounds like a xylophone. It also has a string section – a very danceable, short and catchy pop tune that definitely sets the tempo of the album. The LP continues in a rhythmic style with bopping synth effects on ‘White Sky’, ‘Holiday’ and surfer riff interludes on ‘California English’ and the record’s first single, ‘Cousins’. Side B offers more electro-pop, almost reggae-ish tunes (think Bedouin Soundclash with a synthesizer) like ‘Diplomats Son’. The album’s final track, ‘I Think UR A Contra’, is the slowest and most heartfelt jam – an excellent piece of songwriting. Definite influences like The Clash come through in many ways. It has been said that the title itself, Contra, is an ode to Sandinista! The album features an array of (almost) tribal sounds, with string sections and indie-pop effects that seem to be the most reveled commodity at the moment, but it still remains fresh in a sense. In whole, be prepared for a parade of catchy & delightful three minute pop songs. The record clocks in at 36 minutes. But it is what’s expected of VW, and after a thorough listen, the album will indeed live up to the hype.

Contra will see daylight shortly.

Catch Vampire Weekend on their NA trek.

Watch ‘Cousins’ here.

MP3: Vampire Weekend – Horchata