Hype continues to define The Vaccines’ very existence, albeit a diluted hype, approximately one year on from the release of their debut album. Despite enormous pressure to replicate their explosive success, the band have embarked upon a reinvention, of sorts, writing an interesting new chapter. There’s no instant, ear-grabbing single in the league of Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra) here. This time around, it’s easier to resist the more rambunctious segments of The Vaccines’ post-punk revival approach. Come Of Age falls short of capturing the electrifying form of its predecessor, its few singles less interesting and much less immediate overall. Instead, the weight of the album’s appeal rests with the band’s determination to branch out.
Come Of Age prevails as an interesting album in spite of a few vanilla first impressions. The deceptively chipper All In Vein serves up a refreshing change of pace, with a hint of George Harrison in the mix. Aftershave Ocean soon follows, a radical departure in itself and another real treat. The Vaccines make it easy to bandy around the word ‘mature’ here especially given the album title – and, truthfully, it does sum everything up rather conveniently. The band have largely avoided crafting a carbon copy of their debut, their growth between records evident.
Come Of Age clearly illustrates there’s more to The Vaccines than their propensity for snappy, effervescent singles, inviting listeners to chart their continued evolution.
BY NICK MASON
Best Track: All In Vein
If You Like These, You’ll Like This: In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull THE CRIBS, Wall Of Arms THE MACCABEES
In A word: Progress
