Just like MGMT, Vampire Weekend has recently released their first full-length self-titled album and it’s been growing on me like moss on a tree. They’re hitting it off relatively well and I’m seeing their name thrown all over the place. Hailing from New York, Vampire Weekend is a pop-rock indie band with an exposure to afrobeat inspirations.

They carry a pleasant tune that is fun for the whole family. If someone were to make a movie about being deserted on a tropical island like Hawaii, this would be the soundtrack to the film. There’s no way you could be depressed while listening to a song like “Mansard Roof”. The vocalist, Ezra Koenig, has a cheerful and sweet tone to his voice that goes hand-in-hand with the band’s hand drumming.

With a sound similar to Arctic Monkeys, except with a little extra sunshine, Vampire Weekend is a force to be reckoned with. Don’t get me wrong, the whole album isn’t a pile of happy-go-lucky hits you’d expect to hear from a Pixar animation. Tracks such as “I Stand Corrected” numb down the optimism and bring on an easier beat that share a similarity with Bloc Party.

The overall album reminds me of simpler times. Back when ten dollars made you rich and anything could keep you preoccupied for an eternity.

This isn’t exactly the newest album but it’s still something I look forward to listening to every time I open up my iTunes. They’re currently finishing up their newest album Elephant Shell which is rumored to be released around April under their new label Saddle Creek. Canada seems to produce a delicious breed of indie-pop which I have grown to love with each new band I learn about and Tokyo Police Club is no exception.

Since most bands don’t tend to sing about robots taking over the world, as heard in “Citizens of Tomorrow,” there aren’t a lot of similar sounds to them for comparison. They’re more of a modern version of The Unicorns without the overkill of the synthesizer. Tokyo Police Club takes on the role of a typical rock band but clashes it with some electronic harmonies to ’spicen’ it up. They deliver a perfect blend of the two, except to a higher degree and with a faster pace to give it that extra kick you’ve been yearning for.

Tokyo Police Club’s high energy performances are what pull you in, their rhythmic clapping is what hypnotizes you, and their music is what keeps you coming back. Somewhat similar to mythical sirens except with better intentions. These guys are just looking out for your ears’ best interests.