Released: 11/01/10
Vampire Weekend’s second album, Contra, strikes a balance between growth and familiarity. It’s layered, energetic, and brimming with fresh ideas while retaining the band's breezy sound, now tinged with more emotional depth. Recorded mostly in New York after touring and exploring Mexico’s vibrant music scene, the album blends diverse influences—from ska and baile funk to reggaeton and dancehall—into a unique, sophisticated sound. Contra is literate, dynamic, and distinctly Vampire Weekend, expanding their musical world while inviting multiple interpretations.