Vampire Weekend played an intimate. sold-out gig at London's Kings College last night where they aired half of their new album.

'Contra' is not out until January 11 in teh UK, but the band happily played a selection of the songs including the recent free download 'Horchata'.

As well as playing fan favourites such as 'A-Punk' and 'Mansard Roof' the New York band aired new songs 'Run', 'Holiday', 'Cousins' and 'White Sky'.

All were fervently received by the crowd and hint at great things for the New Yorkers' much-anticipated second long-player.

Promising to return in January for a full tour the band, fronted by a lively Ezra Koenig, ended with a frantic version of the brilliant 'Walcott'.

(by David Renshaw)