Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend - Album Review
- Juan Hernandez
- Aug 12, 2017
- 3 min read
Even after almost ten years, Vampire Weekend's debut still sounds fresh as ever and continues to age like a fine whine.
Just to be authentic here, I first heard "A-Punk" from the movie Stepbrothers, so that's my first actual introduction to Vampire Weekend. Vampire Weekend's debut came around a perfect time, The Strokes were flopping with Yolo, MGMT wore out audiences quickly, and Arcade Fire were getting too thematic with Neon Bible, Vampire Weekend's debut wasn't trying to prove anything, it was just a fun indie album. Sparkling guitars and bright drum patterns pop up all over the record, especially on the lead singles "A-Punk" and "Oxford Comma".
The album gives an authentic feel of what to expect in life, and it's probably due to the fact that the band had just graduated from college. Probably the most school themed track on the album, "Campus" has melodic drums and sparkling guitars all over it. The song details waking up after a one night stand with your hook up, to then only encounter her the next morning on the campus, and finding yourself with feelings for what you shared the previous night. The song is just unrequited love. The lead single "Oxford Comma" has drums on lead, and Lil Jon references pop up on the hook, this one of the many odd references that shows itself on the album. The track has also the bright guitar that pops up throughout the album. The album generally sounds optimistic and bright. Many sounds are diverse and poppy, ranging from 80s nostalgia to influences from African music.
The first single "Mansard Roof" gave a sense of what listeners should expect from their work: a mash of up of tight drum work, intricate guitar playing, and nostalgic sounds from different instruments like a Chamberlin. The track still feels new and young, not feeling worn out by any means. The The African influences are most notable on "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" a song that sounds very lighthearted, but it's lyrics that object otherwise. The song is a highlight on the album and by all means it's not a terrible song, but the lyrics are mix of everything, ranging from Peter Gabriel to Louis Vatton. Violins appear on "M79" and on "Bryn" and both tracks sound cinematic while retaining their sense of indie pop.
The album only ever really does get boring towards the later half. The only bad track that the album has is "I Stand Corrected". On the track, Vampire Weekend try to get emotional and it really doesn't work out for them like how on the other cuts on the album. The entire album has had vivid vibe that it's odd to just hear them slow down and get emotional. For me the track boils down to awkwardness, and every time I hear it I just want it to be over.
The vivacity of the album screams brilliance and youthfulness, something that cannot be denied. The last two tracks, "Walcott" and "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance" both have different tones that end the album in opposing ways. While "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance" serves as the album closer, "Walcott" feels more entitled to the honor of ending the album. Unlike "I Stand Corrected", these two tracks feel emotionally comforting in the sense that they have displayed the chemistry of Vampire Weekend.
Overall the album feels graceful and grand. The almost ten year old debut still stands as a testament to what an indie album should be: fun, experimental, and joyful. This album reinvigorated the indie genre when it was getting stale and bleak, it's simply an essential album that's influence cannot be denied when looking at the new of artists today.
Vampire Weekend
Released: 2008
Favorite Tracks: Mansard Roof, Oxford Comma, A-Punk, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa, M79, Campus, One, Walcott, The Kids Don't Stand A Chance.
Worst Track: I Stand Corrected
8.5/10
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