The Vaccines
English Grafitti
May 25 2015 (Columbia)
7.5/10
Words: Alison Mack
The third album from The Vaccines sees them, along with Dave
Fridmann and Cole MGN, taking over the production helm to moves things on musically from where they left off with - the somewhat less than impressive - 'Come Of Age' in 2012; in contrast, 'English Grafitti' sounds like a band revitalised.
Opener, the infectious 'Handsome' - along with Strokes-like pop of '20/20' - are much the punk Vaccines version of 2011 and 'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?' What stands out here is the focus on a romantic theme in its various guises, from 'Dream Lover' which rides on a high fuzzy energy train, ladened with retro hooks, to the drifting acoustic styled '(All Afternoon) In Love' and the shoegaze layered lilt of 'Maybe I Could Hold You'.
While we see a largely new side to The Vaccines on 'English Graffiti', it may well divide opionion, but it will not dent the Londoners' light when it comes to delivering guitar power pop. And like they said, what did you expect from The Vaccines anyway?
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