![“[Building nerf blasters] became this outlet of creativity for me that hasn't been matched by anything else. The process [of] making a build complete to your desire is such a painstakingly difficult process, but I've had to learn from [the skills needed from] soldering to proper painting. There's so many different options for everything, if you think about it, it exists. The best part is [that] if it doesn't exist, you can build it yourself," Ishaan Parate said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/DSC_8149-900x604.jpg)
![“When I came into high school, I was ready to be a follower. But DECA was a game changer for me. It helped me overcome my fear of public speaking, and it's played such a major role in who I've become today. To be able to successfully lead a chapter of 150 students, an officer team and be one of the upperclassmen I once really admired is something I'm [really] proud of,” Anvitha Tummala ('21) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screen-Shot-2021-07-25-at-9.50.05-AM-900x594.png)
![“I think getting up in the morning and having a sense of purpose [is exciting]. I think without a certain amount of drive, life is kind of obsolete and mundane, and I think having that every single day is what makes each day unique and kind of makes life exciting,” Neymika Jain (12) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Screen-Shot-2017-06-03-at-4.54.16-PM.png)
![“My slogan is ‘slow feet, don’t eat, and I’m hungry.’ You need to run fast to get where you are–you aren't going to get those championships if you aren't fast,” Angel Cervantes (12) said. “I want to do well in school on my tests and in track and win championships for my team. I live by that, [and] I can do that anywhere: in the classroom or on the field.”](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/DSC5146-900x601.jpg)
![“[Volleyball has] taught me how to fall correctly, and another thing it taught is that you don’t have to be the best at something to be good at it. If you just hit the ball in a smart way, then it still scores points and you’re good at it. You could be a background player and still make a much bigger impact on the team than you would think,” Anya Gert (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AnnaGert_JinTuan_HoHPhotoEdited-600x900.jpeg)
![“I'm not nearly there yet, but [my confidence has] definitely been getting better since I was pretty shy and timid coming into Harker my freshman year. I know that there's a lot of people that are really confident in what they do, and I really admire them. Everyone's so driven and that has really pushed me to kind of try to find my own place in high school and be more confident,” Alyssa Huang (’20) said.](https://harkeraquila.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/AlyssaHuang_EmilyChen_HoHPhoto-900x749.jpeg)
Vampire Weekend emerges once again – 4/5 stars
May 21, 2013
After three long years, Vampire Weekend has officially risen from its coffin.
Released on May 14, their new album Modern Vampires of the City is an eclectic mix of old and new. Based on the indie rock band’s novel darker tunes, it’s evident that the once preppy, fresh out of college members of Vampire Weekend have transcended their youthful spirit.
Lead single “Step” is an eloquent, mellow ballad with swaying rhythms and touches of music from the late 20th century. Perhaps one of the most noteworthy highlights of this album, the song is complete with harpsichord riffs in the background and eccentric lyrics: “Your girl was in Berkeley with her Communist reader. Mine was entombed within boombox and Walkman.”
In the second single “Diane Young,” Vampire Weekend spins out an entirely different style but continues to manifest itself in the music of the 1900s by bringing out classic rock ‘n’ roll. It’s hard to resist the song-title’s clever pun (“dying young,” get it?).
Amid the sunny vibes, Vampire Weekend unveils its first dark and hauntingly beautiful song “Hudson.” The synth-heavy track is a completely new direction for the band, as lead singer Ezra Koenig croons with a ghostly undertone, “The legendary wooden gate, the first established real estate is lost in time like all the crimes that won this pleasant land.”
Throughout the album, the band maintains its knack for pensive lyrics and catchy beats in songs such as “Ya Hey,” “Hannah Hunt,” and “Don’t Lie.”
Compared to its first two albums, Vampire Weekend and Contra, the band has certainly grown in both its music and its popularity by crossing into new territory and experimenting with new sounds. Modern Vampires of the City is a well-crafted album that incorporates a darker feel as well as the band’s usual lyrical brilliance and quality music.
