Why Would You Listen To That?

Artist: The Vaccines
Album: What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?
Producer: Dan Grech
Label: Columbia
Release: March 14,2011 UK, May 31, 2011

Rating: 7.1 RockRolls

 
Thrust from relative obscurity into recording 2011's most anticipated album, Brit-rockers "The Vaccines" have a lot of industry hype to live up to with their debut "What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?" Considering their near overnight success in London it's possible the title was selected to be able to withstand a knockout record or commercial failure. Fortunately for these garage rock revivalists, they won't have to be hanging up their hats just yet.


"Wreckin' Bar" opens the 35-minute album with its true, vintage rock and roll style, a sound hipsters and music aficionados have recognized has become increasingly popular over the last 8 months. The track itself is short, but as an intro it serves it purpose, providing enough to the listener who is left wanting more. The mood is instantly followed up by "If You Wanna," a vintage sounding, drum-driven, late-rock-and-roll masterpiece that stepped straight out of 1960's garage rock beginnings. Peppy and catchy, with a charming, fuzzy, bright guitar solo, "If You Wanna" was The Vaccines third single which ultimately was responsible for their pre-release success which had them turning fans away at show.

Almost a falter, "A Lack Of Understanding" is the next track. By this point the tone of the track and instrumentation are simple and predictable. It unfortunately sounds and feels like an overprocessed and underdeveloped Flaming Lips being played too fast. The Vaccines make it up though with "Blow It Up," which sounds like it could be the intro to the Vaccines next album, with a solid bass pushing the progression forward and strong rhythm and vocals providing the power to the track.

"Wetsuit," another classic rock and roll shout out, is sure to be a crowd-pleasing singalong. With prominent drum work and light instrumentation, the record allows the vocals to dictate melody and harmony sure to draw crowds of fans to join in. It's openness makes it unsuitable to record companies as a single which is unfortunate as it is one of the better tracks on the album. "Post Break-Up Sex" is understandably more commercially viable, but, while an interesting track, it is nothing particularly special.

The album is laced with a few more great, upbeat and traditional rock offerings like the foot-tapping "Nørgaard," the delightful "Wolf Pack," and the slowed-down Family Friend closing out the eleven tracks of the album. If you end up listening to "What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?" don't kill the record immediately and wait for a wonderful little hidden track after the pause.

What The Vaccines lack in originality on the album, they make up for in creating fun soundscapes and a completely enjoyable listening experience. The album is full of really good songs, but let's hope for the sake of The Vaccines' career, they haven't used up all of their talent in one decent offering.

7.1 RockRolls