Come Of Age / The Vaccines - Album Review

'Boring, plain and nothing special'
'Probably the best we'll ever see The Vaccines'

This maybe the most anticipated second album to come out in the year of music, 2012. (Besides Two Door Cinema Club's new album 'Beacon') The Vaccines second album is one of the most talked about and needed albums of this year!

'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?' was really the album to watch in 2011, with various singles 'If You Wanna'' and 'Post Break-Up Sex' winding their way onto the Radio 1 play list, it wasn't going to be long before The Vaccines needed to write another heart-racing exciting album.

Have they really bettered 'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?' No, but was that really possible?

For any band that had an amazing first album it's surprisingly difficult to create a second album; which sounds completely fresh and still have that edge to it. The Vaccines, to my serious disappointment haven't lived up to their name with 'Coming Of Age'.

If you're looking for an easy sing-a-long album with fluorescent lyrics; then this is really the album you need to purchase for autumn 2012. Justin Young's matured voice echoes romantically amongst Freddie Cowan and Arni Hjorver's guitar riffs. Justin's voice becomes very drone-y in places, such as in 'Lonely World', but is really brought to life with hard hitting 'Bad Mood'; sure to become a favourite of The Vaccines fans. The mood of the album constantly changes, weaving in and out on the album between slow paced head-nodding songs such as 'Aftershave Ocean' to quick jumpy tracks such as 'Change Of The Heart Pt.2'.

The singles 'No Hope' and 'Teenage Icon' are really the stand-outs on the album; the more catchier tracks on the album. Justin's writing is really shown off in these two songs making them iconic and the basis of this albums.

'I Always Knew' is very unusual and western like though. The introduction feels like you're the old time head cowboy going out on his journey to the unknown. But then the mood is lowered instantly and you're left thinking 'what is happening here' until the chorus of 'I always knew it's you' kicks in.

The Vaccines have really embraced the 'western' theme with 'All In Vein' feeling the same as a 1950's jazz band without the brass. Probably one of the weaker songs on the album though, with nothing special really standing straight in front of us on this one.

Surprisingly 'Ghost Town', a song I have personally already experienced live is a new (and good) turn for The Vaccines. A real contender on 'Norgaard' for it's simple lyrics which are also very effective.

To say this album is worth the wait would not be right; being an avid The Vaccines fan, I am more than disappointed with their work on this was-to-be amazing album! The Vaccines have changed, and sadly it isn't for the best.

Coming Of Age is out to download on iTunes and buy in all good record dealers
But if you're after what The Vaccines are really all about purchase 'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?'

Everything Everything / Cough Cough - Single Review

Everything Everything? WHAT?

You've heard the same words floating around the music scene for a while, you've seen reviews but haven't ever gave the quartet a second thought and you've never bothered to type the same two words into YouTube have you? Well stop avoiding it; it's inevitable... You are going to adore this band!

'Cough Cough' (also a repetition) is the brand new single to be released by Art Rockers Everything Everything. The opening sequence of a chorus of 'Cough Cough's' grabs the song by the antlers and pushes it into a direction of mystery and excitement. Que the beating of drums as large as the quartet and you're on to a winner.

There is something about this new sound that I can't put my hands on. It isn't the usual Everything Everything; it's no My KZ, UR BF or no Qwerty Finger. It's something new and fresh, and just like indie rock band The Vaccines: it's mature. Robertshaw's song writting skills have been kicked up a knotch and into sheer brilliance.

Johnathan Higgs' voice remains magical and sound through out 'Cough Cough'. His high pitched notes (no man would ever dream of reaching) grasp inside of you and fill you up, making your body move to the sound of his vocals. It's very rare you get such a man with a powerful high voice, that is still so lovely to listen to.

If you're going to say that 'Cough Cough' sums Everything Everything up: then you would be wrong. 'Cough Cough' is a feeling. As the lyrics describe what song it is; in my opinion it's a way to forget. 'sold your liver but you're still feeling the red, sold my feelings now I'm hanging by a thread'. The song entices you into a sleepy chant to the sound of pounding drums. You work, you play, you smoke, you get payed. You work and you play and you smoke and you get payed.

It's been exactly two years (August 30th) since Everything Everything's debut album 'Man Alive' was realeased on Geffen, and what an amazing two years this band have had! Winning The Times Breakthrough Act in 2011, preforming at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Carlisle and supporting Snow Patrol on their arena tour of the UK. Now Everything Everything are back and they're bigger than ever with new single 'Cough Cough'.

Could 'Could Cough' be the new sound of Everything Everything? Could this change the game and lob them into complete mainstream success? No, but it is a starting point. If the new album is anything like the sound of 'Cough Cough' then non-fans of the band, and new fans will instantly fall in love with what the new album 'Arc' has to offer. But for the already adoring fans of Everything Everything they will have to step back and look at the gold that will soon be appearing in their pockets.

It's clear to say that the song is beautifully worked though. The mystically enhanced vocals do draw you in to the song and make you feel involved in the drums, the pounding guitars and swimming with the backing vocals. It's a heavy contender for the new wave of music that is soon going to appear on the shelfs on HMV.

'Cough Cough' is available now to download and purchase from iTunes
Everything Everything's new album 'Arc' is available to pre-order right now for the release date of 14th January 2013.

'Cough Cough' official video:
http://www.youtube.com/user/evrythngevrythngvevo?v=cjKcmZGhUrQ