New York four-piece Vampire Weekend are rapidly staking their claim as the most original, compulsive band of 2008.

Formed at Columbia University in 2006, the Ivy League hipsters describe their sound as "Upper West Side Soweto" - a typically obscure phrase from a band intent on cutting their own path. And what a winding, adventurous path it is.

With songs that referenced everything from architectural techniques (Mansard Roof) to grammatical devices (Oxford Comma), and a sound somewhere between the indie-rock of The Strokes and the afro-influenced pop of Graceland-era Paul Simon, Vampire Weekend treated the 200-strong crowd to an eclectic musical feast.

Set opener and upcoming single Mansard Roof set the standard. Trebly guitar, warm bass and tribal beats provided the perfect bed for frontman Ezra Koenig to showcase his penchant for poetic, intelligent lyrics: "The Argentines collapse in defeat/The admiralty surveys the remnants of his fleet."

Later, Koenig asked the crowd to "give it up for the bus", before launching into M79, a rhythmic refrain on the Manhattan bus route.

And give it up they did, cheering every song like an old favourite - although Vampire Weekend's debut album isn't released until later this month.

These vampires are risking their necks by daring to be different. Thankfully, it seems to be paying off.