Vampire Weekend avoids sophomore slump

 The transition period in music is extremely important on several different levels, and for Vampire Weekend’s new album, “Contra,” the transition is smooth.
   In what feels like a continuation of their self-titled debut, released in 2008, the band’s new album has been not only anticipated but also well received by the public, currently topping the Billboard top 200 list.
   “Contra” fits under the category of pop-influenced sound, but this album has their own special twist to it by including a variety of percussion sounds and African-inspired pitches and echoes.
   The first single off the album, “Horchata,” has a similar vocal harmony to the songs of the first record. A somewhat mellow beat grows more complex as the chorus and middle of the song hits hard but in a pleasurable way. “Horchata” has a laid-back feel despite the growth in complexity. Vampire Weekend is known in indie circles as being quirky and simplistic, and often receives criticism for being too simple in their harmonies.
   Significant tracks such as “White Sky” and “Holiday” are reminders of songs such as “Oxford Comma” and “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” off of their debut. Playing through both albums in one sitting shows just how consistent their sound is, even with the subtle variations. Vampire Weekend’s strong, distinct identity is what gives this band the staying power that so many lack.
   “Giving Up The Gun” and “Diplomat’s Son” are examples of a playful sound with innovative melodies that vary from other tracks on the album. “Cousins” is also a noteworthy track, which is one of their more experimental songs.
   The band formed in New York City in 2006, while members were attending Columbia University. The name, Vampire Weekend, was derived from lead singer Ezra Koenig’s short film. The four-piece band plays a variety of instruments and has an energy that builds off of one another.
   Ezra Koenig’s voice is stimulating, peaceful, powerful and calm. The vocal inflections are unique and the established innovative rhythm makes the band such a delight to listen to. The vocals are not only a trademark of their sound but helps to create the notion that this band’s albums can be played as a continuous stream of background noise, being repeated over and over again.
   With each listen, it is likely that a new sound or lyric will catch your ear. Rostam Batmanglij on keyboards and guitar delivers his own spices to Vampire Weekend while working hand in hand with Chris Tomson on drums and inventive percussion sound. Finally, the band has Chris Baio on stimulating bass guitar and backing vocals.
   Vampire Weekend plays to their strengths of collaboration and produced a solid album, steady throughout all of the tracks, especially with their catchy lyrics. It is easy to both tune out to this album and sing along.
   The album is comparable to a merry-go-round; it has its ups, its downs, its vocal twists, its upbeat melodies and its Afro-inspired sound, but regardless, the songs themselves are moving and the listener knows what to expect. This album was highly anticipated and lives up to its hype. Sure to stay on top of the charts — both independent and mainstream — for quite some time, it is worth the purchase.