The Vaccines - What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?

The Vaccines are an indie rock band from the UK, formed in 2010, the band have already gained success after their debut album, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?, reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart.

Opening track Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra) begins with a drum and feedback combo that projects a potentially loud energetic sound from the band, but the sound is sadly a fraction of that potential. The guitar is quiet, and bares a typical trebled to the max effect to produce the traditional indie sound that we’ve been familiar with for years. But aside from what the song could have been, it features great vocal harmonisation from the band which helps create a very catchy start to the album.

The vocals really drive each track forward, frontman Justin Young’s voice is naturally similar to other artists, which I suppose makes it perfect for this record, as it sounds like a mixture of Julian Casablancas, Joey Ramone, and even a touch of Morrissey on the track A Lack Of Understanding.

This album has a borrowed feel to it; The Vaccines haven’t produced any tracks that sound original, but tracks that are heavily influenced by bands such as The Strokes and Ramones, without building anything new to them. It may not be original, but that doesn’t mean it’s not enjoyable, it’s full of the basics of rock n roll and little else, which means it’s practically impossible to hate it. But what makes it so likeable, also prevents it from becoming a must-listen because everything has been done already, especially the chorus on track Post Break-Up Sex, as the chord progression on its chorus has been used in many many different songs before, such as Justin Bieber’s Baby. (At least, that’s what my sister told me…)

Despite its lack of originality, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? is a very accessible album that is full of fun, energy, and has a sunny quality that makes it perfect for the summer weather we’re experiencing. It’s full of straightforward bursts of rock n roll which has been missing in 2011’s discography lately.

6/10