Vampire Weekend: 'A-Punk'

Vampire Weekend's self-titled debut prompted much head-scratching when it was released at the start of 2008. The Ivy League-educated four-piece, whose outfit of choice was cardigan and chinos, had an extensive knowledge of Afro-pop and came across like a bunch of backpacking gap year students. The whimsical nature of their tunes would have Liam Gallagher choking on his cornflakes, but no one could deny their music sounded pretty nifty.

'A-Punk', which failed to dent the Top 40 in February, has been given a re-release following their recent Q Award victory and should fare better second time. One of the highlights from the album, it centres around a Strokesy guitar riff, some swirling flutes and pattering cymbals, all topped off with a joyous "hey-hey-hey" chant. If Vampire Weekend had studied at the University of Pop, this assignment would earn them first class honours.


> Click here to watch the 'A-Punk' video