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Last year, one of the co-founders, guitarist Freddie Cowan, left the band. This was followed by the departure of another co-founder, drummer Pete Robertson, in 2016. However, it seems that these changes have not affected the Vaccines’ success. Their sixth album, which includes former touring guitarist Timothy Lanham, maintains their signature high-energy garage rock sound. The opening track, Sometimes, I Swear, is a spirited and relatable anthem that could easily be heard being shouted in the streets. Songs like Lunar Eclipse, Sunkissed, and The Dreamer continue to showcase the band’s talent for creating instantly catchy and upbeat pop songs, with big sing-along choruses that are sometimes preceded by quieter sections. Overall, the production of the album creates a dynamic and powerful sound.
Justin Young’s lyrics contain hidden depths, occasionally adding a darker tone to the uplifting sound. In these uncertain times, Discount De Kooning (Last One Standing) takes on the familiar theme of “dance until the bomb drops”. Primitive Man addresses toxic masculinity, while Another Nightmare uses a catchy chorus to explore themes of a breakup, pills, and therapy. This album does not include any slow ballads, but Love to Walk Away has a nostalgic 80s new wave sound that could easily fit into a soundtrack like The Breakfast Club. While there are no groundbreaking elements, it remains a solid and uplifting collection of tunes.
Source: theguardian.com
