Described as heralding the return of guitar–driven rock music, the Vaccines’ sophomore album “Come of Age” proves that a 21st century rock band does not need a synthesizer. Though the Vaccines’ melodies are at least mildly original and the lyrics are occasionally clever, there is nothing particularly innovative about their treatment of the genre. They shamelessly rehash their influences, — namely the Strokes and the Drums. Asinine lyrics aside, the melody of “Post Break–Up Sex” is too similar to the Ramones’ “The KKK Took My Baby Away.” The lyrics are for the most part underwhelming and clichéd. Guitars growl and the cymbals smash while frontman Justin Young mumbles with impotent rage about the petty problems of today’s bored and unfocused youth. With lyrics like “life is easy when you’re easy on the eye,” the song“I wish I was Girl” is deluded and misogynistic. We’ve heard it before, only better.
2/5 Stars
