One of the newest next big thing bands just released their first full length album before setting out for a series of sold out shows in LA and NY. The album, which has already garnered a decent amount of critical acclaim (and a whole lot of obsessive love from the likes of MTV and their cronies) may or may not deserve it. The band, which in their press release claims to be influenced by such absurdities as Paul's Boutique, Repo Man, and 40 oz. to Freedom, more often than not resemble either a crazy teen ska-punk band (Holiday), Paul Simon in his Graceland years (White Sky and I Think You're A Contra), or a male M.I.A (Horchata and Giving up the Gun).
Don't get me wrong, the album isn't just Vampire Weekend thieving other folks' music styles, they still have their own thing going on. The highlights definitely are in the Paul Simon sound-a-likes, and singer Ezra Koenig actually could be mistaken for a young Simon - no exaggeration.
The best song on the album though, by far, is Taxi Cab. The bass, electro-claps, violin, and melodic piano mixed with his peaceful voice are hard not to fall in love with. It's just about the most pleasant thing you could listen to and still feel like it isn't just leading you directly to sleep. Whether or not they will find any lasting fame is of no concern to me - if this is their first full length I can only imagine what they could be capable of once they give up on the idea of being so 'wacky' with their references and their desire to say 'crazy' things. I might not buy the whole album, but I know three songs I'm awfully glad to own now and I know one band that I'm certainly going to keep my eye out for in the future.