The Vaccines return to their classic 2010s sound in “Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations”
In their much-anticipated sixth album, The Vaccines take a bold step back to their roots, embracing the raw British garage-rock vibes that marked their debut. Consisting of ten tracks, “Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations” is short and sweet, encapsulating a nostalgic exploration of big themes—capturing the essence of both yesteryears and the disillusionment of the American dream.
Kicking off with "Sometimes, I Swear," The Vaccines open the album softly with a simple, repetitive guitar riff. The quiet lyrics, "When the gravity hits me/I've got nowhere to fall," capture a profound sense of vulnerability. The track then erupts into a cacophonous, euphoric chorus, paying homage to the past in the best way possible. This high-energy anthem, dripping with 2010 Tumblr nostalgia, is a testament to not fitting in—a quintessential Vaccines sentiment.
Throughout the record, The Vaccines dig deeper with their lyricism than they did in previous albums. For instance, in "Heartbreak Kid," frontman Justin Young beautifully sings, "When you cried on the sky, you made it glitter/The moon in your eye, you were childlike." This track exudes energy, offering a refreshing take on the sound characteristic of their debut album.
The dynamic "Lunar Eclipse" draws inspiration from several iconic bands. The wiry guitar, reminiscent of The Strokes, blends seamlessly with a bass line similar to The Cure. Regardless of the similarities, dreamy lyricism like "I could dream I won you back/'Cause New York's an insomniac," create a unique sonic experience. This is followed by “Discount De Kooning (Last One Standing).” Featuring the repetition of the line, "Maybe we should keep on dancing," the upbeat pop track feels like a celebration of youth and freedom—a moment to cherish. The sparkling keyboard adds an extra layer of excitement to the track, making it a lively addition to The Vaccines' album.
"Sunkissed" takes a departure with its Beach Boys-esque sound. This Californian love song pines over a lost connection, delivering a more lowkey and groovy experience. The vivid lyrics, “As the sun kissed/Kissed us with tongues/The wind ran through our forever hair,” describe a warm and nostalgic moment in time.
Delving into melancholic romance, “Another Nightmare” explores themes of addiction and heartbreak. Young emotionally belts, ““I don't want the hate and anger they gave me/All the pills and Percocets daily/Numbing and running to nothing/Just another nightmare” Although the lyricism throughout Pick-Up is significantly heavier than The Vaccines’ other work, the music still maintains a somewhat repetitive structure. Despite the album’s monotonous nature, the track offers a reflective journey through haunting emotions.
With the painful "Love To Walk Away," The Vaccines' record takes a detour into new-wave 80s sounds. Bitter breakup lyrics are juxtaposed against a stellar bassline, creating a song that feels straight out of a coming-of-age movie. It's a catchy, anthem-like piece that invites the listener to sing along.
Lead vocalist Young's words resonate: "There's a sense of nostalgia and looking in the rearview mirror and wondering if what you left behind is better than what you're heading towards." While "Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations" doesn't break new ground, it comfortably embraces nostalgia, aligning with The Vaccines' intentional exploration of the past.