CD of The Week

Not many bands have had the hype surrounding them before they even played a live note like The Vaccines did. When they eventually put out their debut record What Did You Expect From the Vaccines?, many fans and critics alike were pining to hear it, and fortunately, it was very good. But now the expectations have cooled. They’re no longer the next big thing, rather a successful band who is putting out their second record. At first thought, the title,Come of Age, may seem a little cliche or obvious, but really, it’s quite appropriate when you consider they were a fledgling band when their first record came out.

Based on the title alone, one assumes they have matured, whether that means musically, or mentally, only the band really knows that. But their sound certainly has changed. It seems they have gone with a more “surf” or “beach” rock sound with this record. They even shout out to (Philadelphia’s own) Frankie Avalon in the song "Teenage Icon," a song that could have easily appeared in one of his movies had it been record 50 years earlier. The sound they’ve created with this record fits the band well, especially with Justin Young’s smooth vocals, which are front and center on the wonderful track “Weirdo.” Another stand out track is “Bad Mood,” which is the most rocking song on the record. The fun guitar riffs and great drumming really make the song pop.

It's hard for a bands to get away from the sound of their debut with as much success as The Vaccines have. It’s great that they seem to have had an idea of what they wanted to do with their second record, and they went for it, with great success. (The album went to #1 in the UK.) If you need some relief from the cold months ahead, go no further than Come of Age. The record, coupled perhaps with a rental of Beach Party, will certainly give you warm thoughts of sun and sand all winter long. And catch The Vaccines live in Philly at Union Transferon February 2nd.