MixTape#3 – Vampire Weekend

I heard about Vampire Weekend this summer, and didn’t really pay enough attention to them. After a few listenings of their debut album, they got me hooked. They are an American rock band, who formed in 2006. The name Vampire weekend comes from an independent film that Ezra (lead vocals, guitarist) and his friends filmed over one summer.  The band first appeared on blog posts like Stereogum’s Band to watch in spring 2007. They have released a few EPs and singles. When they  released their self-produced debut album in January 2008 at XL Recordings they were already old news on the net.

I’m not going to tell you how they sound like, because it’s something really special and I can guarantee you never heard anything like them. Mix together African rhythm, indie rock, quick guitar licks, violin, bells, great vocals with four enthusiastic boys and you get Vampire Weekend. My favorite songs include A Punk, M79, Campus, I Stay Corrected, Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa… (I had to stop before I write down all of their songs).

In September they announced a new album named Contra that will be out in January 2010 at XL Recordings (XL recordings also cover Friendly Fires, Radiohead, The White Stripes…). On October 5th they released their first single from their second album for free download, the name of the son is Horchata and you can get it here (it’s my new favorite winter holiday song). Just over a week ago they released music video for a song from Contra titled Cousins, you can watch it on their official website or on youtube.

Contra is most likely one of the most anticipated albums for 2010, I know I’m really looking forward to hearing it. Of course if you like the music, buy it and let the band know they’re doing a great job. And let me know what you think of them!

P.S. They are rockin’ Futura typeface like no one else :)

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