The Vaccines – Melody Calling EP

After touring America for most of 2013, The Vaccines have finally decided to take some time off the road to record new material. Melody Calling will come as a delight to fans that have been waiting since the release of Come of Age, which hit shelves last September, bringing the introduction of a more mature sounding band with it. However, it seems the lads are still trying to find their sound as this EP boasts yet another musical avenue which they have decided to explore.

Waving goodbye to raucous guitar strumming and musical hysteria, The Vaccines have now opted for a more laid-back, carefree sound. Title track Melody Calling at first listen sounds like the perfect soundtrack to a summer’s day. There is less restriction, making the song sound delicate. It’s hard to believe that this is the same band that opened their previous album with a thundering guitar riff and lyrics about coming of age.

Everybody’s Gonna Let You Down follows, keeping to the same carefree and breezy beat only this time it is accompanied by pessimistic lyrics which are incredibly catchy and cut close to the bone about how no one can be trusted. The companionship between the jazzy guitar and constant drumbeat is enough to make anyone tap their feet and bop along.

Do You Want A Man is a lovesick tune which holds flickers of the old Vaccines, with some sharp riffs of yesteryear. The song is like candy for the ears and brings with it a dreamy feel. It’s a fantastic way for the band to end the EP, showcasing more of the dashes of versatility that the band has incorporated throughout the album.

All in all, Melody Calling is an easy, carefree listen. It’s less strident than Come of Age and showcases the brilliance and variety that the band always seems to have maintained. By working with the likes of Rich Costey (who also worked with the Arctic Monkeys) it is hard not to have high expectations but they certainly don’t disappoint. And with such a refulgent EP, it is extremely hard to find fault.

www.thevaccines.co.uk