The Vaccines
Come of Age
BY EMRE BERBEROĞLU (IR/III)
Release Date: September 3, 2012
Label: Columbia
Producers: Ethan Johns
Indie rock quartet The Vaccines released their highly anticipated second album, "Come of Age," on September 3. With the release in March 2011 of their first album, "What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?," the band successfully introduced themselves to the music industry. Only a year and a half later, The Vaccines have done a solid job on their sophomore album. The group consists of Justin Young (lead vocals and guitar), Árni Hjörvar (bass), Freddie Cowan (guitar) and Pete Robertson (drums).
"Come of Age" opens with one of this year's best rock songs, "No Hope." As most listeners will note, this track sounds a lot like a Strokes song, and in some parts it's easy to confuse Young's voice with that of Sid Vicious (of the Sex Pistols). However, the lyrical depth and simple, clean guitar riffs make "No Hope" something other than a copycat song.
The album continues with "I Always Knew," which reminds you of 60s love songs and the movie "Grease." In an interview with NME magazine, Young says, "Pete wrote the verse and brought the idea in. I rewrote some of the lyrics but I didn't want to change the sentiment behind it. The band have to feel happy standing for everything I say, so I should feel happy standing for what they say too."
Then, the album's most revealing song, "Teenage Icon," begins. While Young shares his personal weaknesses -- "Oh look at me so ordinary, no mystery, with no great capabilities" -- Pete keeps the listeners moving with his upbeat snare drums.
"All in Vain" and "Ghost Town" are two different songs in terms of their musical backgrounds, but somehow The Vaccines manage to connect them beautifully. After an upbeat song, they decide to slow things down. "Aftershave Ocean" starts out as pretty ordinary, but it transforms into a stunning 90s pop rock song. The same 90s influence continues in "Weirdo." The track begins with a dark bass line and a creepy guitar riff. Then, Young's sedative voice guides us into a sweaty underground pub in West London.
"Change of Heart Pt. 2" is the only disappointment on this album. It doesn't fit in with the other songs and makes it hard to focus on the album as a whole. The Vaccines conclude their second record with two guitar-based songs, "Wish I Was A Girl" and "Lonely World."
The Bottom Line: In a very limited time, The Vaccines have succeeded in releasing a new album -- one that indicates to their audience that the band's sound and lyrics are becoming more mature.
Notable Tracks: "No Hope"; "Teenage Icon"; "Weirdo"; "Aftershave Ocean"; "Wish I Was A Girl"
Band's Website: http://www.thevaccines.co.uk
This Week's Events
1) Destroyer - December 4 - Salon İKSV, İstanbul - Ticket Prices: Student 28TL, Regular 45TL
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Song of the Week: Bloc Party - "Real Talk"