Perhaps I was too harsh on Vampire Weekend. Their debut album sparkled and shimmered with the energy of a new diversion in indie but 'Contra' felt like a disappointment. Yes it was well crafted and Ezra Koenig's wordplay was mostly flavoursome and insightful at times, but it still felt overly precise and just didn't seem to flow as well as their debut.
Critically I don't see any massive difference in the reception this time around than the two before, however what we have now is BOTH songwriting and lyrics at a high level. It could be argued that even though the band had become a little, let's say, stranger when 'Contra' was released but musically they weren't taking enough risks.
How that has changed here.
From personal balllads with wonderfully sad narratives (Hannah Hunt) to Celtic oddities
(Worship You) the mood is constantly shifting however the tone is consistent with a band at ease with angles that go beyond sheer production values and bizarre shifts. In this sense I'm reminded of a younger Grizzly Bear and that's no mean comparison.
It may take a few listens for the melodies to set in and for the lyrics to decode themselves but when it all comes together there are fewer transcendental aural experiences in 2013.
Key Tracks: Step, Hannah Hunt, Unbelievers
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