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A Journey Through Loss and Understanding

There’s a distinct difference between having fun and being happy. This gap is where the sixth album from The Vaccines, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations, resides. The album delivers 10 tracks in just over half an hour, filled with catchy hooks and melodies that exude fun. However, it delves into the way real life often disappoints us, despite the perfect stories we portray on social media.

“It’s about loss,” says the lead singer. “And coming to terms with that loss—not necessarily grieving, but gaining a new understanding of it. And it’s not just about romance.”

From American Dreams to West Coast Realities

The album’s title, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations, originates from a misremembered lyric in Don McLean’s “American Pie.” This lyric sparked a train of thought. “I was living in LA while writing this record, and ‘American Pie’ is a song about disillusionment with America and the American dream, with a feeling that something had died. I was coming to terms with similar feelings—my understanding of what the real West Coast of America was, after growing up on American pop culture. All this coincided with various relationships ending, and Freddie [Cowan, guitarist] leaving the band. That was the seed of it. It’s about the loss of dreams.”

Navigating Displacement

The tension is palpable in the album’s opener, “Sometimes, I Swear.” Overdriving drums and euphoric guitars, the song lays out what might be the record’s manifesto: “I’m caught in the good fight / I start to feel small / When the gravity hits me / I’ve got nowhere to fall.” The chorus further emphasizes the sense of displacement: “Sometimes, I swear, it feels like I don’t belong anywhere.”

“Increasingly, I think we all feel that gap between reality and expectation,” the singer notes. “I feel lonely, but I also feel like a loner. I feel lonely without a relationship, but then I want distance when I’m in one.” This sense of displacement permeates the album. After playing a triumphant show at the Victorious festival in Portsmouth, the singer returned to his childhood bed. “It was a reminder that it was as close to a home as I’ve ever really come.”

Wrapping Complex Emotions in Pop

Despite the complex emotions of ambivalence, doubt, and fear, the songs are wrapped in infectious pop tunes. “Maybe because the more universal they feel, the less alone I feel. Even now, when I sing ‘All alone, all alone, I am on my own’ in the breakdown of ‘If You Wanna,’ I well up and feel less alone. I grew up on eclectic music that made me feel less alone. The songs I connected with were the ones that made me see the humanity in the people whose pictures were on my wall. I want people to connect with my songs as easily as possible.”

Unveiling Heartbreak Kid

The first song to debut live was “Heartbreak Kid,” an instant Vaccines classic that barrels along like a convertible sports car. The band unveiled it at a secret show at London’s Sebright Arms earlier this year. Written during a creative burst, the entire album took shape between November 2021 and May 2022.

Creative Partnerships and Fresh Starts

“What happens is, I feel like I need to start writing with The Vaccines in mind. Then we’ll land on a song that feels like the beginning of something.” In this case, that song was “Love To Walk Away,” which unlocked the album’s potential. It became clear they wanted to make a rock record.

The album’s producer, Andrew Wells, was a surprising choice for a rock record, given his history with pop acts like Ellie Goulding, Adam Lambert, and Jason Mraz. However, Wells had a deep love for The Vaccines. “He grew up going to see The Vaccines. I went for a beer with him, and he explained why he loved us and what sort of record he wanted to hear. I liked his vision, and I agreed with what he was saying.” The album was recorded at Wells’ home studio in LA during two sessions in September 2022 and January 2023.

This marks the first Vaccines album since Freddie Cowan’s departure. Touring member Timothy Lanham has now taken up the role of lead guitarist, marking a fresh start for the band. Although Cowan was missed on a personal level, he no longer wished to uproot himself for recordings or long tours. This decision was mutually agreeable, and they remain friends. The band felt invigorated by the changes, particularly as they were self-funding the recording with no major label involved. “We all had skin in the game, which made it fun—fun.”

The Vaccines’ Identity and Timeless Appeal

At this point in their career, The Vaccines have a well-defined identity: 60s-inspired classicist guitar pop filtered through new wave with a modern production sheen. “I think we’re euphoric and melancholic in equal measure. We’re very direct, and I think this record sounds quite classic and simple, yet hopefully of its time.” The Spotify playlist that inspired the writing process reflects this—classic and straightforward.

A hallmark of a good Vaccines album is that every track feels like it could be a single. On Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations, every song fits that bill. “That’s just what I’m drawn to. As a kid, my favourite songs were always the singles.” This approach to songwriting ensures directness of intent and execution. “One of the things I’m most proud of on this record is its cohesiveness. It feels like a vision realized, unlike times in the past when I got confused trying to emulate something else.”

Engaging a New Generation of Fans

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Vaccines in 2023 is the youthful audience they continue to attract. While many guitar bands find their audiences ageing with them, The Vaccines’ fanbase constantly renews itself. The album’s themes of euphoria, melancholy, and FOMO resonate strongly with younger listeners. “It excites me to have so many young fans. We get new fans all the time—I see people and think, ‘You were four when Wreckin’ Bar came out!’ We’re not just trying to retain existing fans; we’re trying to engage new ones. I love reading comments on TikTok: ‘I’d never heard of you till today, but you’re my new favourite band.'”

The band is rightfully proud of Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations. “Every single song on the record was my favourite at some point.” It’s rare to see a band truly blossom on their sixth record. It’s time to wake up and appreciate what The Vaccines have created.