New York world-pop outfit Vampire Weekend have shocked fans by unveiling the artwork to their second album.
Vampire Weekend were formed on an Ivy League campus, and an atmosphere of learning seems to permeate their music. Not for them the usual routine of mastering Stooges riffs – the band are inspired by African styles such as Kwassa Kwassa.
Releasing a number of demos online Vampire Weekend created a stir, later being snapped up. The band’s self-titled debut album was released last year became a sensation, spawning a number of indie dancefloor smash hits.
Live, the band’s style really comes into its own. Based on African dance music their self-styled ‘Upper West Side Soweto’ blends world music with indie pop, to produce something uniquely danceable.
Since then, Vampire Weekend have barely stopped working. The band have been writing new material, debuting a new, never before heard track on US TV earlier this year.
Singer Ezra Koenig meanwhile has been working on another world music project. The singer guest stars on The Very Best’s debut album, a stunning mash up of electro and African styles recorded by the duo RadioClit.
Now it seems that Vampire Weekend are set to return with their new album. Titled ‘Contra’ it is not certain if this is a reference to South American rebels or if it is a band in-joke.
However singer Ezra Koenig has issued a statement stating that he is excited about the new release. “Just like the first album, I’m really excited how everything is tied in musically, lyrically and especially aesthetically,” declared frontman Ezra Koenig.
Vampire Weekend have released the cover for the new album, featuring a vintage 80s photograph of a blonde female model in a Ralph Lauren polo shirt.
Vampire Weekend are set to release their new album ‘Contra’ on January 11th. Tracklisting is as follows:
‘Horchata’
‘White Sky’
‘Holiday’
‘California English’
‘Taxi Cab’
‘Run’
‘Cousins’
‘Giving Up The Gun’
‘Diplomat’s Son’
‘I Think Ur A Contra’
