WHAT have you done with The Vaccines? Instantly recognisable for their disaffected lyrics, the four piece - musically at least - seem to have turned full steam into reverse as they release their third record. English Graffiti has a distinct whiff of nostalgia about it, sounding like the genetically altered child of Coldplay and Blur. Try and listen to (All Afternoon) In Love without being overwhelmed by the Damon Albarn comparisons. 20/20, meanwhile, is impossibly upbeat - despite singer Justin Young’s insistence that “I’m through thinking about you” - while Minimal Affection, with a guitar lead that borrows directly from The Strokes, is as pure a piece of indie pop as you are likely to hear. It’s the mark of a good artist when they are prepared to break the wheel and venture into something that takes them out of their comfort zone. In places, English Graffiti sounds worlds away from The Vaccines’ previous two long players. An impressive shift in focus.

 

The Vaccines will play Bridlington Spa on November 16.