On The Download: Vampire Weekend’s ‘Contra’

On their first, self-titled album, Columbia University graduates Vampire Weekend earned critical flack (and the inevitable Internet backlash) for their Ivy League image and African influences even as their clever guitar pop won over thousands of fans. Now, with “Contra,” the quartet is looking to have the last laugh – according to Billboard, the band’s sophomore release is likely to top the charts next week. The album would unseat pop sensation Ke$ha, as well as become the rare indie rock album to top Billboard’s charts – even the Shins’ much anticipated “Wincing The Night Away” rose only to the No. 2 spot in 2007, while successful recent albums by acts such as Grizzly Bear and Animal Collective have also failed to land at the top of the charts.

While “Contra” is set to outperform its predecessor sales-wise, though, the album isn’t quite as strong musically. On past tracks such as “M79,” they revealed a tendency to go overboard with their arrangements, and “Contra” is stuffed with electronic beats more reminiscent of the Postal Service or 2009 breakthrough act Owl City than, say, Paul Simon’s “Graceland.”

Vampire Weekend fans may find themselves with mixed feelings on tracks such as Super Nintendo chamber-pop effort “Diplomat’s Son” and the needlessly Auto-Tuned “California English,” which feels less like a wink than an outdated mistake. The gentle “Taxi Cab” is the best example of their new sound – combining an array of effects and instruments without flooding the speakers. When they turn to their guitars, the band remains among the genre’s best tunesmiths – “Cousins” is a pocket-sized anthem, and the ska-tinged “Holiday” is a winner as well.

Sophomore albums are always tricky beasts, especially in the heated hype cycle of the indie blogosphere. “Contra” seems to capture a band in transition even as they’re about to explode – hopefully their first No. 1 gives them the confidence to take their next step past this one.