Following up an album as critically acclaimed and massively popular as their self-titled debut, New York’s Vampire Weekend were faced with a dilemma - carry on in the same vein or evolve a new style?
Contra is certainly not a re-hash of its predecessor’s lively blend of Afro-beat, classical and pop – VW now sound a lot more sophisticated. Touches of New Wave are added to the mix – trickling synths add depth to “White Sky” and help the lead single ‘Cousins’ burst with rambunctious energy.
Tracks like the beguiling ‘Horchata’ still include African influences but the cultured quartet have branched out to revel in a diversity of sounds, everything from Caribbean dancehall to Californian ska-punk can be heard on the record.
Rostam Batmanglij’s production on the album is outstanding and highlights how Ezra Koenig’s voice has really matured. His extensive range is particularly evident in VW’s first ballads including the intriguing ‘I Think Ur a Contra’.
Drummer Chris Tomson proves he is one of the best around with some ferocious performances while Chris Baio’s has created some terrific basslines, in particular on ‘Cousins’.
The themes of the record are fairly indecipherable again but this is not too surprising since prior to release Koenig told the music press that Contra is about “retro gaming and Nicaraguan politics.”
I would not go as far as saying VW have outdone the explosion catchy classics on their debut record - there are a couple of missteps, particularly the heavily auto-tuned California English.
However, after repeated listens there are more than enough delightful ditties, like ‘Run’ and ‘Giving Up the Gun’, to make this a solid sophomore effort.
