The Almagest

Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Those familiar with the style of Vampire Weekend's self-titled last album can expect the same from their latest album Contra. The rhythm is very much influenced by traditional African beats, but the tunes would enhance a lazy morning, lying around after a night out.

The only exception is the single "Cousins," which contains quick drum beats more suitable for preparing for a night on the town. Fans of the last album can think of it as the "A-Punk" of the new tracks.

For those who have never had Vampire Weekend vibrate their eardrums, their sound is a kind of poppy indie music, like that of Phoenix or an African/reggae-infused Radiohead or Coldplay. The last and most titillating track on the album, "Contra," sounds a lot like any Death Cab for Cutie song, but the music finishes with a really low-key note that could relax and rock you to sleep.

Much like the initial track "Horchata" expresses, the album creates a warming escape from January weather, even if that January is spent in temperate Shreveport.

Sadly, Contra only has small technical differences from the first album and besides the lyrics, nothing else seems new.

After listening to the second album, which is almost identical in style and sound as its predecessor is, one always has to ask when a band becomes a one-trick pony. Although Vampire Weekend has not created a sufficient library to be judged with this theory, their track record looks a little ominous.

For now, fans will have to hope the style and influences are simply being carried over the next album. The music is good. For the most part, it's catchy and original, but frankly, Contra seems like a more polished version of Vampire Weekend.

Of course, the band can make whatever music suits them and their record contract, but for the sake of Vampire Weekend's future, a new direction might be necessary for their next album. If not, they will find themselves stuck with a pony of the one-trick variety.

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