release date: Mar. 30, 2018
format: digital (11 x File, FLAC)
[album rate: 3 / 5] [3,18]
producer: Ross Orton
label: Columbia Records - nationality: England, UK
Track highlights: 1. "Put It on a T-Shirt" (live session) - 2. "I Can't Quit" - 3. "Your Love Is My Favourite Band" (live session) - 4. "Surfing in the Sky"
4th studio album by The Vaccines, who has changed its line-up since the successor English Graffiti (2015). Drummer Pete Robertson left the band in June 2016 and was subsequently replaced by Yoann Intonti - initially, only to full-fill live concert obligations but when the band initiated studio work on the new album, they announced that not only had Intonti become a steady member, but also touring keyboardist Timothy Lanham had by now been included in the band.
Musically, there's not much progression since the debut in 2011. The Vaccines play 'power pop' and 'indie pop' in the lighter end of 'alt. rock', and they base most of their songs on memorable hooks and quick chorus-lines. In that respect, the album doesn't provide us with anything new. Yeah, they play well, they compose their songs within their sphere, but frankly, it's becoming increasingly harder to distinguish their albums from one another - and a wee bit tedious. Several tracks sound like spin-offs or new versions of familiar songs making it a bit annoying.
"A new album by The Vaccines, you say?... Yeah, well, I dunno... It doesn't really ring any bells."
People may play it at a party and no one really pay any attention, wonders or asks for more. So what's the point if they just reproduce the formula note by note? Let's say, they'll try this a fifth time... I will not bother but for now, I concede this only above 3, but please, guys, don't drag us through the same one more time...
Not recommended.
