This week has seen the release of “Contra”, the latest album from one of the hippest indie rock outfits out there, Vampire Weekend.

The New York band, who are part of the downtown art-punk scene which also includes Animal Collective, Dirty Projectors and Yasayer, have had an amazing rise to prominence since the launch of their debut in 2008, with their song “A-Punk” being awarded one of Rolling Stone’s favourite songs of 2008 and sharing a stage with hippy legends David Crosby and Graham Nash. They have also been doing their best to keep Ralph Lauren in business with their preppy Ivy League style, and have been an undoubtedly strong influence on the buttoned up and cropped trousered hipster look that has taken over cities across the US and Europe.

Their second long player sees them continue with their intricately poppy songs and punky, new wave rock meets African soukous pop sound that made them so popular. Check out the Garth Jennings (AKA Hammer & Tongs) directed video for the single “Cousins” below.

The album is available globally this week.