When New York City’s ultra-modern foursome Vampire Weekend hit the scene in 2008, they were destined to become the next favorite of hipsters everywhere.

While many hipsters may turn their backs on the group due to their almost instantaneous mainstream success, even they can’t deny the rare ability of the band to fuse new and unique sounds on which they were founded.

“Modern Vampires of the City” strikes this balance perfectly and displays genius lyrically and musically with a matchlessness that truly transcends labels and genres.

The lyrics create enthralling scenes while exploring deeper topics such as God and religion without commitment or conviction, but with a probing sense of curiosity.

The album is big and ambitious. The production techniques used leave no doubt the music’s ability to catch people’s ears with melodies and hook them forever. Songs like “Step,” “Diane Young” and “Everlasting Arms” have listeners humming along on the second listen.

Even with these secular gems, the album explores themes of religion with the tenacity of a gospel band – without making claims of faith or even hinting at personal belief. “Everlasting Arms,” “Worship You,” and “Ya Hey” all provide sometimes-direct references to Biblical Scriptures.

“Ya Hey” offers the most blatant references, alluding to the Old Testament story of Moses and the burning bush. The chorus sings, “Through the fire and through the flames/You won’t even say your name/Only ‘I am that I am.’”

It would be easy for Vampire Weekend to coast on the huge success of prior albums. Instead, the band takes a leap of faith, betting big on abstract themes and creative production. Their bets paid off.