By B. Martin

One of the tests that young new bands face, especially ones with the poetential for greatness, is the follow up album. Vampire Weekend’s debut album made them instant indie rock stars, earned them critical acclaim and also burdened them with the pressure of trying to equal or surpass thier first record. What’s a band to do when facing those kinds of expectations?

Listen to Vampire Weekend – Contra tracks
As it turns out, Vampire Weekend play it safe on their latest release. Contra feels very much in the same musical vein as its predecessor with its mix of reggae, african pop and Paul Simon era Graceland. For the most part the band sounds similar to the one that delivered some of 2008’s biggest indie hits including A-Punk and Oxford Comma. The guys do stretch just a little bit by throwing in some synth and electronic beats and a sample in Diplomat’s Son. But for the most part, they don’t stray too far from the formula that worked so well for them 2 years ago.

Download songs from Vampire Weekend – Contra

I just wish they had delivered a couple of killer singles this time out. Nothing on Contra matches the hooky delights of their first record. Part of this may be attributed to the band’s apparent effort to stay true to their musical roots and style while trying to move in new directions at the same time. This struggle puts a bit of a strain on the record. It’s almost as if you can sense that the band is trying to make a record that will be both popular and critically acclaimaed rather than just cutting loose and having fun. That was a major part of the allure of their epinomynous debut.

At this point, it’s too early to label Vampire Weekend a great band, but this is only their secdond album. For now, they are a very good band and they have delivered a very good album. Maybe next time out they will relax and let the greatness come naturally.

Buy it now: Vampire Weekend – Contra