Vampire Weekend "S/t"- -Album Review

This New York City band's popularity proceeded their actual output of an album. The "blog machine," if you will, had them pegged as the next big thing in indie rock even before they'd booked studio time. But this much anticipated record--their self-titled debut--is actually an enjoyably poppy and semi-refreshing indie offering. No, it won't change the way you live your life, but Vampire Weekend's often light and always catchy debut is different enough and refreshing enough to be a welcomed addition to any indie music library. Next big album of the year? Perhaps. Easy indie pop album to sing along to? Definitely.

Incorporating Afro-style sounds (think Paul Simon in Graceland) into a mix of today's more familiar indie sounds (think a The Walkmen/Wolf Parade/The Thrills cocktail), Vampire Weekend have concocted a strong, interesting debut.

What's exciting about Vampire Weekend is that while the band's sound is young and carefree, it's also infused with a helping of new influences well rendered. Sure, there's the sloppy 70s rock influence--the twee guitars (thanks The Strokes), the laconic vocals (thanks The Zombies)--but that's not all. I don't know how much depth there is to Vampire Weekend's African influence, because, frankly, my knowledge of African music is limited, but I like what it's done to VW's take on contemporary indie rock. Nothing here sounds forced or phony; maybe a little lacking in depth, but never without an honest interest in sounding good.

Stand-out tracks include the irresistibly catchy "Oxford Comma," maybe the most enjoyable song about grammar I've heard...maybe ever. I'm also digging "M79," a very British number that maybe could be called a "delightful ditty." "Bryn" makes good use of the Afro-guitar sounds; "One (Blake's Got A New Face)" the Afro-drums and backing vocals.

Overall verdict, what with the high level of hype surrounding this band and album: I am surprised to report that I'm on board. This is an interesting band with a lot of potential and they have produced a promising, unaffected, enjoyable debut.

Released January 29, 2008 on XL Recordings