This is my third blog about Vampire Weekend so I'll keep it brief. Rather like their new album, in fact. Everything about The Weekenders is tight, nothing goes on longer than it needs to, so Contra was never gonna be a "long" player. But a more pleasing 36 minutes you may be hard pushed to find.
Lead single and opening track "Horchata" has grown on me. On its own it didn't give enough to draw you in, but within the context of the album it's a pleasing start to a collection that combines water-tight tunes reminiscent of the first album ("Holiday", "Cousins") and other numbers that are brave enough to let their attractions unfurl more slowly. "California English" uses Auto Tuned vocals without being annoying, "Run" uses some sinister, jarring harmonies to add depth and closer, "I Think Ur A Contra" is quiet, delicate and very brave.
A development rather than a revolution, but a good one. Upper West Side Soweto still has plenty to offer.
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