The Hype Machine

Would you say Vampire Weekend are in the trough of disillusionment right now?

Today, I am going to do my duty as a blogger, fulfill the expectations of the world, embody a well worn cliche and become a caricature of the archetypal indie fan-boy.

I'm gunna be a perpetuatin' a little hype.




Object of Hype #1 - Yeasayer's forthcoming album Odd Blood

For those who have been utterly seduced, entranced and haunted by their previous effort All Hour Cymbals, you may be forgiven for exhibiting slight apprehension towards the next offering from this intriguing band upon hearing the first release from Odd Blood, "Ambling Alp". It's not what you would expect; its a distinct departure from prior work by being far more immediate, melodic and bizarre. It is though Depeche Mode came to visit, leaving behind their leather pants for Yeasayer to butcher and wear to their next "trip" to Riyadh. Needless to say, I am a tad excited about this one.




Object of Hype #2 - Contra, Vampire Weekend's soon to be released record

I will do you a favour; once this sentence is finished, I promise to make no further reference to these guys attending Ivy League colleges, wearing Polo Ralph Lauren cashmere sweaters and being a product of privilege and wealth. Now that the cliches are out of the way, I can add more fuel to their eternal flame of hype. Stating the obvious, their debut LP was just superb. Stylistically cohesive, deliciously witty and insufferably infectious, that album was a spinning superlative factory that did not leave my stereo for months. Now they have a new record on the way, and judging by the video for "Cousins", it is looking likely to be rollicking good fun once again. I cannot wait.