Life is hard for a no-name band in the ever-chaotic, always-competitive indie-rock music scene. Many would-be indie bands either sink, or if they're lucky, have a handful of their albums grace the bargain bin at the local record store.
Though it's still too early to tell, I can only hope that New York's newest indie band Vampire Weekend and their self-titled album will make a splash and hit the mainstream.
Vampire Weekend's debut album was released on iTunes Tuesday, according to the band's Web site.
Vampire Weekend does nothing to lift the stigma already associated with indie rock. However, rather than only appealing to indie-rock hipsters, Vampire Weekend has the sound to be mainstream.
The four-piece group all met while attending Columbia University in New York City. The band's sound seems to reflect the literal melting pot that is the Big Apple.
The lyrics and drums have an African/Reggae flair, and the addition of keyboards, catchy ska-influenced bass and guitar riffs, and the occasional string symphony leads to a unique and tasty sound.
Vampire Weekend's appeal stems from the harmonization of these components.
The song "Walcott" blends a piano hook with a string set, while "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" contains bongos and a catchy guitar riff. The unique sound is a breath of fresh air, especially when compared to the drivel that oozes from the radio.
Vampire Weekend is the band that stays in your head, even when you're trying to pay attention in class. Their self-titled album stays fresh through-and-through with only one song that slightly disappoints. "One (Blake's Got a New Face)" drops the ball due to a repeated chorus that wears thin quickly.
Ignoring the one drawback, Vampire Weekend is worth a listen and the album would make a great addition to anyone's iPod. A perfect 5 out of 5 means purchase this album now — you will not regret it.
Reach the reporter at adam.chaikin@asu.edu.
