Two years since their self-titled debut album went, well, ape shit, those indie prepsters Vampire Weekend are back with Contra.  Whereas their self titled release was all about college life and the inevitable pooing in the pants that comes from entering the real world, Contra is a much more relaxed affair with the band suggesting “these songs would be perfect for driving up the Pacific Coast”.  And indeed this album screams of summer roadtripping. 

The kids have left behind the eastern city of Boston as their muse and taken on the easy breezy living of California, however they’ve not lost their signature sound much to the delight of their fans.  There are still plenty of ‘A-Punk’ style danceable tunes and the band still carry the likelihood of being Paul Simon’s Graceland love children.  On the flipside, this does mean it’s hard to say they’ve matured much in the progression into their second album.
 
Though it’s hard to know how much longer they can carry such a signature sound and style until it gets tired, Contra is a very listenable album and hey, don’t those boys look cute with their sweaters and cardigans?  You can’t help but dance along.  - Kylie