It's really too bad that The O.C. was cancelled before Columbia-grads Vampire Weekend arrived on the scene. Oh, how their debut album would be perfect background music for the carefree lives of Newport Beach's young and wealthy. Shockingly, though, it has the depth to appeal to all, not just those not dressed in polos and pastels.
That may be hard to believe, what with their eye-roll worthy references to Cape Cod, Oxford commas and Louis Vuitton. But those lyrical blunders are easy enough to look past. On the surface the songs might just seem preppy and precious, but repeat listens reveal a strong debut and a unique spin on the average indie guitar band. The guitar parts, reminiscent of African music, are fluid and crystal clear. Singer/guitarist Ezra Koenig sounds like a mix of Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Fountains of Wayne's Chris Collingwood. Strings and keyboard add to the breezy atmosphere.
Most successfully, they use sped up strings on "M79," the dramatic centerpiece of the album. "Campus" stops and starts enough times that the chorus is a beautiful release of energy. "Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa" glides along for an easygoing three minutes. It's hard to imagine guitarist Koenig playing his riff in any other position than relaxed in a chair with his feet up on the table. If the name Vampire Weekend is a reference to a nocturnal Friday and Saturday, their music is perfect for getting you through Sunday.
