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THE REVIEW
What do you expect from The Vaccines?
Very clever title, theirs. It's like saying, "Hey, hey, hey. Calm down. Before you buy me, ask yourself what you are looking for, don't blame me if you don't like me afterward." And that's how they presented themselves with their debut album, nothing more, nothing less than a band with the right style and haircut, blown up (as usual) by the inevitable hype from the British press, labeled (as usual) as the “next big thing.” And so far, nothing new.
The response from the four London boys was the release of an essential album, 11 tracks, and a minimum duration of 2:30 per song, which reminds us a lot of the whimsical Ramones. Yes, because, well, they do borrow something from them, the cheerful "Wreckin Bar" with its scream "Ra Ra Ra" definitely has a sound that evokes New York ghosts. But a constant in all of The Vaccines' work is that reverberated, distant, and rarefied guitar sound with hard and energetic strokes, as in the beginning of "Wolf Pack." An album that moves on the tracks of classic indie rock, taking "punk" detours ("Norgaard"), sometimes covering itself with a bit of melancholy ("All In White"), that melancholy given precisely by the voice of frontman Justin Young, until recently a folk music singer. All in all, a well-made album, a handful of songs that work. Simple, direct, and brazen, it maintains a frenetic pace; "If You Wanna" has that chorus that sticks after the first listen; "A Lack Of Understanding" carves out a solitary spot, a song with indistinguishable Brit-pop undertones. Then there's the surprising track "Family Friend," calm at the start, only to unleash a guitar orgasm in the finale. The ghost track "Who You Are" is the song you don't expect, voice and piano that contradict the alleged superficiality of the overseas group.
So, can we consider this album an antidote for the rampant virus of "heard it all before"? Definitely not, but it goes down beautifully, mischievous and youthful just right, unpretentious, “playmeanditgoesaway.”
In short, it’s an easy one-night stand girl, it will give you the pleasure of the moment, but you will forget it very easily.
(However, what a bang.)
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Summary by Bot
The Vaccines' debut album delivers a solid collection of indie rock songs with punk influences reminiscent of the Ramones. Frontman Justin Young's voice adds a melancholic edge to an otherwise energetic and straightforward album. While not groundbreaking or deeply memorable, it offers a fun and youthful listening experience with catchy hooks. The album’s minimalistic style reflects its title's playful warning to listen with proper expectations.Tracklist Videos
The Vaccines
The Vaccines are an English indie rock band formed in London in 2010. The classic lineup featured Justin Young, Freddie Cowan, Árni Árnason and Pete Robertson; later Yoann Intonti (drums) and Timothy Lanham (keyboards) joined. Known for brisk, hook-packed songs and albums from their 2011 debut through English Graffiti and Combat Sports.07 Reviews
