The Vaccines – What Did You Expect From The Vaccines (14/03/2011 Colombia Records)

     The Vaccines, an English Indie Rock band formed in London in 2010. Instantly reaching number four in the UK album chart propelled The Vaccines to unswerving success, pushing the indie scene more towards the forefront of the mainstream music scene that it has been in years! After their demo of ‘If You Wanna’ was played and praised by Zane Lowe on this BBC radio show, the band’s first London show at The Flower Pot, Camden swiftly sold out in October 2010.

     Judging from the opening track of ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’, ‘Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’, which lasts just one minute and twenty four seconds, is not only an effective opening for an indie album, but also for intimidate and potential arena shows alike. The Vaccines’ potential is mind-numbingly obvious despite their quirk and edge, which some may perceive as a flaw. The clean riffs, rhythms and reverb-rich guitars of the first track provides the band with the underestimated and timeless quality of widespread likability. When releases as a single in November 2010, ‘Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’ was teamed with fourth track from ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’, ‘Blow It Up’. This song portrays the band’s various influences, such as The Ramones, pop based components, 1980’s American hardcore and rock ‘n’ roll from the 1950s. The blend of these two tracks illustrates that it is possible to be an indie based band that utilise the occasional pop element, without running straight for the most basic, overused aspects.

'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?'

     Second track, ‘If You Wanna’, which was sold as a single from March 2011, conveys painful similarities to The Big Pink’s ‘Dominos’ at the very beginning, but thankfully, The Vaccines come into their own and eradicate any strong connections with other indie bands in just over ten seconds. Their soft sound is perfect for any place, mood, and person and the chirpy chorus and lyrics are irristable; ‘That’s what all the friends I do not like as much as you say...’, ‘But if you wanna come back, it’s alright, it’s alright...’ . With this song in particular, the band have achieved something very rare, especially given the competitive nature of the music industry today. They have fresh and light sound despite carrying heavy influences from other genres and artists. ‘A Lack Of Understanding’ commences with quite a heavy bass line for the indie scene, but unfortunately, by the time Justin Young’s vocals kick in, the compilation is screaming out for a more upbeat track to drown out the somewhat whiney texture.

     ‘Wetsuit’ provides a dreary tempo, which tarnishes some festival perfect moments and widely emotive lyrics ‘time gets harder to outrun...’ ‘we all got older at break-neck speed...’. ‘Nørgaard’ is the saving grace to this album like sun to a crappy day. It’s upbeat, 1950s and surf-rock influences are nothing if chirpy and full of cheek; ‘smaller tits, skinny frame, tall, short hips and you all end the same...’.  It is a wonder that the following track ‘Post Break-Up Sex’ was released as a single in January 2011 as opposed to ‘Nørgaard’. With its mock-sympathy tone and dull instrumentalities, it has nothing on the previous piece in terms of wit and vigour. ‘Under Your Thumb’ is another song sprinkled with dynamism whereas ‘All In White’, which follows reverts back to the monotonous edge The Vaccines appear to be comfortable and complacent with. However, it’s potential is clear during the opening fifteen seconds which display heavy influences from more recent Coldplay work.

The Vaccines

      Penultimate track, ‘Wolf Pack’, is a bit of an oxymoron within itself with its attempt with sarcastic humour; ‘You’re just someone new I don’t want to talk to...’, paired with a limp back beat . ‘Family Friend’ is almost laughable due to how slowly it commences. It is followed by ‘hidden’ track ‘Somebody Else’s Child’ which follows the same trend.

    ‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’  Well, perhaps a little more high-spirited haste, humour and heart. Although likeable, the album is hardly life changing and lacks lustre and grit.

3/5