Customer Reviews

What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Seems like every year someone is proclaimed in Q Magazine (my monthly purchase of note since 2000) to be the saviours/new darlings of indie rock. Sometimes they get it right (The Strokes, Arctic Monkeys), more often they get it wrong (Glassvegas a blaring example of expectations royally smashed). Last month (April, 2011) it was The Vaccines. Frankly, they're alright. This is not reinvention though. Much of it is what Arcade Fire playing Rooney (remember them?) with slightly racier lyrics would sound like. The lyrics themselves have (on the best songs) a consciousness reminiscent of Reverend and the Makers (indie saviours of late 07), but they seem to run out of ideas, trapped in what sounds like a rather middle class upbringing (as displayed in Somebody Else's Child). As a middle class guy of basically the same age I can hardly complain about this, but the confusion over relationships and illadvised sex is familiar enough to not need to be told about. I'd imagine this would appeal to the 'individual' indie teenager for whom the Arctic Monkeys are a little too jarring, Arcade Fire too monotonously pounding (i.e. boring) and for whom 'shagging their stoned family friend whilst everyone else is passed out downstairs' (I'm paraphrasing, but not much) and 'Post Break-Up Sex' are still unknown experiences. There are some catchy tunes, and some which positively scream their influcences (Wreckin' Bar could be a Ramones B-Side, whilst A Lack of Understanding has an unmistakable New Wave sound in Justin Young's voice which wouldn't be out of place in a Smiths cover band), but none of these are truely memorable. The problem is the likes of the Cure and the Smiths did this stuff twenty-five plus years ago and they did it better. It'll get some 16-18 year olds through the next summer of break ups and first concerts, but that's about it.

At first listen, The Vaccines may sound like just another weakened strain of many bands you have injured yourself banging your head to before. The Ramones? The Strokes? The Raveonettes if Sharin Foo had a sex change and added a cockney accent? It's all there and more. But don't dismiss The Vaccines as just the latest overhyped British rockers. Listen at least to the first minute and 22 seconds Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra). Because that's all you get of that one. It's fast. It's fun. It's contagious. So what if all the songs seem to be about wanting to have sex, having sex, breaking up, trying to get back together or having Post Break-Up Sex instead. If you've ever fallen hard for a guitar-driven band, The Vaccines will surely given you a good time in earbud, without exactly making you forget your ex. Then again, what did you expect?

London band debut of fast, fun, short British power pop packed with magnetic, if derivative,
melodic hooks. It may not be particularly original, but it satisfies the need for the pop fix with its
straightforward blend of obvious influences. Critics are calling it "fake indie" & "lacking sub-
stance", but...well, really "What Did You Expect From the Vaccines"? It's fun, simple & addictive.
I may not be listening to it two years from now, but it fills the moment nicely. Recalls the Strokes,
Jesus & Mary Chain, the Smiths, Ramones, Best Coast, Arctic Monkeys, Surfer Blood, Beatles,
The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart.

This is indie chart staple that some would and do say has been done to death, but it is ruddy great. Opening track `Wreckin bar rar, ra , ra', is a 90 second homage to The Ramones and what a great way to kick off such a joyous album.

All of the tracks could be singles, and sometimes that can be annoying, but they are all so good that it just makes this one album that you don't feel you need to fast forward any tracks at all. The obvious pithy wit, irony and verve that is `Post break up sex' is probably the most stand out track, but only just, a real crowd pleaser and floor filler. Track 5 `Wetsuit'; is slower but still has enough momentum to hook you and take you along for the ride. Personal favourite is `A lack of understanding', as it seems to be about me and I like it when you can instantly empathise with a song. The vocals are great too and are all delivered so clear that a lyric sheet is not needed. I have had this a couple of weeks now and during that time three of my fave bands have brought out new albums; this however has been a constant on my MP3 despite all the other music I have been getting. It just feels like summer, sex, angst and fun all rolled up in a great package that you can dance to (but in my case - not very well).

There is a twelfth track `Somebody else's child that is tucked at the end of track 11 and not available on download, this is the slowest and most reflective number and makes the album approach, as opposed to a download, probably the better option.

Also not my typical genre, but for indie rock fans who like their music accessible, upbeat, with great lyrics tight playing and some heartfelt humour, then this is indie heaven.

Absolutely loved this collection of songs. Am new to this band, but would definitely look forward to their next CD

Britain always seem to give birth to a few new exiting new bands every year. The Vaccines are the next in the list with their fun and short album "What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?". Did we expect a 1:22 rolling song? Well I didn't but it's a great start to the album that is full of youthful energy.
The album is full of relatively easy songs with incredibly catchy sing-along choruses in double choruses reminiscent of the Fratellis. Most of their influences seem to lie in New York however. The Ramones and sixties Brill Building give a fresh vibe that's hard to miss. The Ramones of the 21st century The Strokes aren't missed either in the suave `A Lack of Understanding". That's it's not just punk and post-punk is clear in the fragile `Wetsuit' with it's thumping drums and vocal lines could be a Vampire Weekend song.
This is a fine debut, fun, fresh and short. Don't expect anything new but if you want a happy 30 minutes in your life this album is for you.

This is indie chart staple that some would and do say has been done to death, but it is ruddy great. Opening track `Wreckin bar rar, ra , ra', is a 90 second homage to The Ramones and what a great way to kick off such a joyous album.

All of the tracks could be singles, and sometimes that can be annoying, but they are all so good that it just makes this one album that you don't feel you need to fast forward any tracks at all. The obvious pithy wit, irony and verve that is `Post break up sex' is probably the most stand out track, but only just, a real crowd pleaser and floor filler. Track 5 `Wetsuit'; is slower but still has enough momentum to hook you and take you along for the ride. Personal favourite is `A lack of understanding', as it seems to be about me and I like it when you can instantly empathise with a song. The vocals are great too and are all delivered so clear that a lyric sheet is not needed. I have had this a couple of weeks now and during that time three of my fave bands have brought out new albums; this however has been a constant on my MP3 despite all the other music I have been getting. It just feels like summer, sex, angst and fun all rolled up in a great package that you can dance to (but in my case - not very well).

There is a twelfth track `Somebody else's child that is tucked at the end of track 11 and not available on download, this is the slowest and most reflective number and makes the album approach as opposed to download, probably the better option.

Also not my typical genre, but for indie rock fans who like their music accessible, upbeat, with great lyrics tight playing and some heartfelt humour, then this is indie heaven.

To say this album is catchy is an understatement. The Vaccines seemed to have mastered the art of simplicity- just giving the listener what they want- catchy tunes and sing along lyrics. The highlights on this album for me are "Wetsuit," "Wolfpack" and "Under your thumb." If you answer the album title and expect to sing along with 3 minute rock riffs that are almost laid out in mathematical fashion, then you will enjoy this record. Great replayability with this album- if you like Brit-rock you won't be disappointed. Love this album and I expect big things from the Vaccines.

Edit 2/24/2012

I shouldn't have used the word 'mediocre'. 'Depressing' is my real complaint. Their catchiest songs have the most demoralizing lyrics. It does grow on you a bit. If these guys 1) manage to avoid depression induced suicide/overdose and 2) buck the **** up, I'll try their next album.

Original:
I've only played through it twice. If my opinion changes, I'll update my review.

This entire album seemed mediocre. It came highly recommended by a friend, but there isn't a single song on here that I really like. It's a little bit downbeat. I suspect Valium & other muscle relaxers are pumping through the veins of those that found this music "fun & catchy".

I'm going toss this cd to the next hipster I pass in Silverlake.

It's as slight as the breeze and pulls its cards from a deck of "End of the Century"-era Ramones and Oasis and plays them like Jesus and Mary Chain jamming with Stone Roses, but, polarizing as they apparently are - and they could be all-out frauds for all I know - dammit, at least half the thing is pure ear candy. They look clean-cut, sing out the anthems clearly, see time when they look over their shoulder and almost seem engaged. The Vaccines appear to reach for the lowest hanging fruit in a bid for stardom, but I can say that the disc got in my hands as an impulse buy as I was leaving the Sound Garden (Balt.) and it hasn't left the car deck since. The lone review I had read prior said they had smashed up against the rocks of the shores in the good ole US of A, and we have a way with crushing dreams of British bands, but if the well-worn paths of the stars mentioned above have an attraction for you, this permutation of those sterling examples might go down easy. I wouldn't dare go for four stars and be played for the fool, but the three are rock solid and at this late date in the sunset years of rock n' roll, I'm happy to find myself enjoying a singalong.