Birds sometimes dance

Vampire Weekend have been a fresh contribution to the music scene with their unique classic and african inspired music. The music world was taken by surprise with their self-titled debut in 2008, which gained broad acclaim followed by many festival appearances. Now, they’ve released a second full-length, and it will be interesting to see if this album is a worthy sophomore effort, or just a rashful effort to cave in on fame to finance a posh dame.

Headlights is an indie rock band located in Campaign, Illinois. They formed in 2004 after the break up of a band named Absinthe Blind. Wildlife is the band’s third record and was released on Polyvinyl records, home to critic favourites like Asobi Seksu, Architecture in Helsinki and Of Montreal. Is this album their best release yet or just a shadow of their debut album Kill Them With Kindness?

Fleet Foxes made one of the best albums of 2008. In my opinion, the very best. There are many reasons for that. The lyrics, the melodies, and their beautiful harmonies all merge together to form an incredible sound. Still, the most important reason is what all of it creates together. It can be described with a single word; durability.

Finally, it’s here. I’ve been waiting like a kid for a new album from these guys. Coming from the same recording sessions as their previous album, Alopecia, this album might be somewhat similar theme-wise, but when it comes to the sound it’s absolutely not. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing though.

What’s better than to start off with reviewing a band with a bird’s name? From their last record, these extinct birds have gone from being a duo to a trio, adding Vibraphonist Keaton Snyder to the band. Is this the only difference from their debut or have The Dodos grown a bit in other ways too?