Vampire Weekend’s second Album Contra released today at midnight.

This is the official decade for indie music, when it can be easily spotted by band’s wardrobe collections, lyrics and behaviors. Muse and Kings of Leon got famous, surrendered to the mainstream, left youngsters behind, carefully walking on the thin ice between.

 The poster of the girl opening curious big eyes filled your city streets and platforms, alerted you on the second album of Vampire Weekend in a galleried scale. Diligent tours acknowledged everyone  the fantastic four from big apple. Small band grew big, without much controversy. Active performing has always filled with inspiration yet low key attitude mask them with mystery. The four quietly played from their own heart, hardly aggressive. If they lived in the neighborhood, you probably wouldn’t find out. Even when asked about politics, serene smiles showed up to go with their personal support for Obama, clued no harm, let alone hatred feelings. Glad they are still on the indie side of the world.

 It’s been almost 3 years since they were firstly blogged on Stereogum, where the Columbia University boys aroused attention. Their first album “Vampire Weekend” named straightly after the band, quickly became famous for its creative mix of Afro-pop beats and high pitched vocal. The ambiguous lyrics hinted about love, girls and sex in a happy tone. Each song could sound fresh and new again after weeks, even months.

 If it takes time to get rid of their debut album, Contra is quite the opposite. You have to be patient to realize the beauty within. Ezra takes you to VW’s wonderland with his still quirky voice perfectly toned to the lush beats. Only this time, he put in more sensation, like if you were Barbie, he’d be your Ben. Tracks like Taxi Cab, Diplomat’s Son and I think Ur a Contra mixed some patience, revealed a bit of sadness. Some criticized this album overrated. Well, that’s because they haven’t listened enough.

©Photo by Junjie Dou

1. Horchata
2. White Sky
3. Holiday
4. California English
5. Taxi Cab
6. Run
7. Cousins
8. Giving Up The Gun
9. Diplomat’s Son
10. I Think Ur A Contra