`Contra'
(Kang & Music)
American indie band Vampire Weekend first grabbed listeners' attention with the irresistible ``A Punk'' from their self-titled debut in 2008. The band, whose members met while studying at Columbia University, have managed to avoid the sophomore slump with a clever and catchy new album, ``Contra.''
``Contra,'' which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard album charts, has more of the band's indie pop-rock tunes, with a dash of hip-hop, African rhythms and electro music. ``Horchata'' (incidentally, a Mexican rice drink) sets the pace of the album with its easy charm, followed by the laidback ``White Sky.'' Vampire Weekend continues to impress with their witty lyrics and unique musical styling, particularly with the standout tracks ``California English,'' ``Diplomat's Son'' and ``I Think Ur a Contra.''
/ Cathy Rose A. Garcia