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The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? [Album]

Columbia

by poetofthedeed, August 2nd, 2011 and has been Read 2170 times.
Last Edited by: Ffion Davies August 6th, 2011.

Imagine; you're in a band who have existed since the summer of 2010, Zane Lowe has already referred to you as

the band that will kickstart a new era

, you've landed third place in BBC's Sound of 2011, had an appearance on Later...With Jools Holland, graced the cover of NME and been hailed by numerous muso's as "the saviours of British guitar music", all before you've even officially decided on a release date or a title for your debut album. Based on this type of start, to say people expected a lot from London based four-piece, The Vaccines, would be an unforgiveable understatement.

Freddie Cowan, lead guitarist, recalls how "the phones started ringing" after Zane Lowe chose a demo version of guitar driven, almost anthemic, stick in your head for days on end, song If You Wanna as his hottest record in the world. Despite this, the band did not let the hype they could not hide from phase them.

Vaccines songs are notoriously short, but this is not necessarily a negative thing. Whether the mood is angry, as in 'Blow It Up', youthful and carefree; 'Norgaard' or bitter; 'All In White', these tunes are most certainly direct; frontman and lyricist Justin Young does not beat around the bush. This is perhaps most suitably conveyed through 'Post Break-Up Sex' a song which was always bound to be self-explanitory includes the lines; "Maybe I misunderstood, but I can't believe you're feeling good from post break-up sex that helps you forget your ex." Perhaps some dismissers of the band, upon listening to this and the repetitive chorus and downbeat verses of 'If You Wanna', would write The Vaccines off as not having the most creative or meaningful lyrics.

(L-R - Pete Robertson, Freddie Cowan, Justin Young, Arni Hjorvar)

(Photo by Christaan Felber)

However, the real gems are hidden amongst the thumping drum beat and relaxed keyboards of 'Wetsuit', where Young admits to a fear of an unfulfilled youth passing too quickly; "If at some point we all succumb, for goodness sake let us be young, 'cause time gets harder to outrun and I'm nobody, I'm not done."

Or track 3; 'A Lack of Understanding', a break-up song not so self-explanitory; "It's only been a year, but it feels like a lifetime here, how's it been for you? Does it feel like a lifetime too?" Ok, so Shakespeare, Curtis or Morrissey Young is not, but his lyrics are easy for anyone to identify with, and after all, isn't that what most fans look for in songs?

People who like what they have heard with first songle 'Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)' can expect to like a whole lot more on this album, finding its catchy and uplifting type in 'Wolfpack' and 'Under Your Thumb'. Those searching for deeper meanings and almost haunting chord progressions can find them in 'All In White' and 'Family Friend'. While there are always those who will disagree, this album can act as proof that The Vaccines are the most exciting thing to happen to the British indie scene in years. And what could have been expected after their whirlwind beginning? Well, nothing less, really.