The Vaccines: Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations [Album Review]

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The Vaccines
Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations
Thirty Tigers [2024]

Album Overview: The Vaccines have released their sixth studio album, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations, produced by Andrew Wells (known for his work with Phoebe Bridgers and Kaiser Chiefs) and marks the band’s first album without original guitarist Freddie Cowan. The album delves into the disappointments of real life while maintaining a playful vibe.

Musical Style: The album continues The Vaccines’ 60’s-inspired classicist guitar pop, viewed through a new wave lens. It strikes a balance between euphoria and melancholy, presenting a very straightforward, rock-radio-friendly sound.

Evolution of Sound: The album showcases The Vaccines’ knack for creating catchy hooks, featuring infectious melodies and pulsing guitar licks. Overall, the band delivers a sound that fans will recognize and enjoy.

Artists with Similar Fire: The Vaccines’ sound occasionally echoes the crooning style of The Walkmen, combined with foot-tapping poppier beats reminiscent of The Killers and Walk The Moon. Bands like Foals and The Kooks come to mind when listening to this album.

Pivotal Tracks: Highlight tracks include “Discount De Kooning (Last One Standing),” which boasts a strong hook, while “Heartbreak Kid” features a big, soaring, and memorable chorus. “Another Nightmare” stands out, dipping into a classic new wave genre while maintaining a modern pop rock vibe.

Lyrical Strength: Titled after a misremembered lyric in Don McLean’s American Pie, the album illustrates the disillusionment when expectations, dreams, and reality don’t align. Despite this, the lyrics express gratitude for past loves and experiences, as they are incorporated into plenty of memorable hooks for listeners to savor.

THE VACCINES REVIEW HISTORY
English Graffiti (2015) / Melody Calling EP (2013)

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Thomas Wilde
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