Contra Proves to Be Spectacular Sophomore Follow-up

With a band like Vampire Weekend, the depth and breathe of their sound starts with their unique, unmistakable sound and includes a storyline through the use of highly original lyrics. Contra is a story that Ezra, Rostam, and the two Chris-es are asking you to listen.

The beginning beats of "Horchata" draw the listener right in, a perfect opening track for an album. Apparently the single has a bunch of people asking what exactly horchata is-the simple answer being a drink made from rice, almonds, cinnamon and other ingredients.

"California English" is the only single that borders on a headache to listen to. It is too much, incredibly overproduced for a four minute track. The business in their sound that works for them a majority of the time failed here.

After "California English", the mood mellows down with "Taxi Cab", a beautiful offbeat track. The lyrics bring to mind a man driving around in a cab on a New York night, passing places that remind him of a particular girl.

Unsentimental,
Driving around,
Unsure of myself,
Sure of it now,
You stand this close to me,
Like the future was suppose to be,
In the eyes of the Grocery,
In the block uptown

In the shadow of your first attack,
I was questioning and looking back,
You were standing on another track,
Like a real aristocrat

"Cousins" is undoubedtly one of the best tracks. It is Vampire Weekend at their best-fervent,unforgiving, and just playing their music. It is two and half minutes of catchy, thundering beats and unmistakable guitar riffs.

"Giving Up the Gun" is probably my personal favorite because it is pure poetry set to music.

When I was 17
I had wrists like steel
And I felt complete

And now my body fades
Behind a brass charade
And I'm obsolete

But if the chance remained
To see those better days
I'd cut the cannons down

My ears are blown to bits
From all the rifle hits
But I still crave that sound

My verdict is buy it but if you with an account on Rhapsody, you'll have 25 free listens a month and you can run through the album before you dish out fifteen bucks. Hey, I'm a college student, I understand the need for a budget. But if you're a indie, or if you just know "A-Punk" and want to know more, I don't think you'll be disappointed with this.