Vampire Weekend Live

Clash regressed back to its student years last night, heading down to King's College Union, London, last night to see Vampire Weekend's exclusive second album preview gig.

The Brooklyn quartet, whom Clash had spent the best part of the day with, showing them round the fine sights of Shepherds Bush, were in town to reveal what the follow up to their stunning eponymous debut sounds like.

'Contra' is released on January 11th. Clash had an exclusive listen to the album earlier this week in preparation of Thursday's Vampire Day, and were suitably impressed by the evolution of the band's relentless rhythms, layered vocals and seasoned hooks. It's a powerful, storming and hugely enjoyable long-player - destined to excel the group on from their debut and into the upper echelons of discerning music makers.

On stage in the unbearably hot union, the Vampires - decked out in their trademark preppy threads - bolted through a mix of songs new and old, the hungry crowd lapping them all up equally.

'White Sky', premiered at UK gigs last year, kicked things off, and was followed by 'Holiday', earmarked as a forthcoming single from 'Contra'.

The band clearly were revelling in the venue's intimate surroundings, leading the crowd through eager sing-alongs on the likes of 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa', and lead singer Ezra Koenig getting carried away and snapping a guitar string before 'A Punk'.

But it was the new songs that thrilled most - the receptive audience listened intently to the incredible booming 'Cousins', no doubt pining for its eventual release. And just wait until you see the video - Clash was treated to the Hammer and Tongs directed short, and it's a perfect visual accompaniment to the Vampires: clever, fun and full of intricate bits of brilliance.

The long-awaited 'Oxford Comma' concluded the first set, but the band returned with debut opener 'Mansard Roof' then finally got to recreate the recently released download giveaway 'Horchata', as keyboardist Rostam sat down with a curiously small organ on his lap, and Ezra complained about losing his voice but wanting to do this new fan favourite justice. Needless to say he did.

In Vampire Weekend tradition, the advisory and frenetic 'Walcott' wrapped up the evening. Things were sweaty, ears were ringing, but if this is what we can expect come January, then that's one more thing to look forward to in the New Year.

Stay tuned to ClashMusic.com to see the exclusive Vampire Weekend videos, galleries and interviews made this week...

Vampire Weekend played:

'White Sky'
'Holiday'
'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa'
'I Stand Corrected'
'M79'
'Cousins'
'One (Blake's Got A New Face)'
'A-Punk'
'Run'
'Campus'
'Oxford Comma'
'Mansard Roof'
'Horchata'
'Walcott'

Words by Simon Harper