So I finally got around to listening to "Horchata," the most prominently featured and blogged about track off of Vampire Weekend's new album "Contra." It woefully pains the indie-hipster part of me to say I was pretty damn disappointed. I'm not the biggest Vampire Weekend fan by any means; in fact, I ostensibly opposed the hype surrounding the release of their debut album, "Vampire Weekend." But... because I couldn't beat 'em, I joined 'em, and they earned their rightful chance to grow on me.
And here we are, only...
"Horchata" seems to be a bit of a stretch for Vampire Weekend. It takes their laidback, summery afro-pop influences and touches them up with a heavier emphasis on synthesizers and symphonic / ambient sounds, but in the most tiresome, difficult way. The style IS mind-blowingly Vampire Weekend, and if you know them, you'll know what I mean once you listen to this track. As my situation concerning Vampire Weekend was prior to this, it just might have to grow on me, but with it's abrupt ending, painstakingly pretentious lyrics and over-relaxed / pseudo-cultural vibe, the days to come aren't looking the brightest for "Contra."
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"pseudo-cultural vibe" hits the nail on the head. have you heard "cousins" yet though? it's much better: http://aronf-blowin-wind.blogspot.com/2009/12/vampire-weekend-cousins.html
ReplyDeletei know you've probably heard it already, but Vampire Weekends cover of Exit Music(For a Film) is damn good. I just heard it for myself and thought i'd mention it here.
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