The Vaccines are on the defensive

by Anne T. Donahue

January 27, 2011

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Overwhelming press, fodder for controversy, and North American shows populated by the likes of the Arctic Monkeys and Hollywood heavyweights—all without a full-length album and only the promise of an upcoming debut LP. In only one short month, The Vaccines have seemingly claimed 2011 as their own, and thanks to being the subject of both overwhelming accolades and tireless scrutiny, the London four piece have found themselves in a defensive position with the question of their musical integrity on the line.

Overwhelming press, fodder for controversy, and North American shows populated by the likes of the Arctic Monkeys and Hollywood heavyweights—all without a full-length album and only the promise of an upcoming debut LP. In only one short month, The Vaccines have seemingly claimed 2011 as their own, and thanks to being the subject of both overwhelming accolades and tireless scrutiny, the London four piece have found themselves in a defensive position with the question of their musical integrity on the line.

“People thinking that we’re a buzz band, that’s something I would like to prove wrong,” says drummer Pete Robertson. “We’re very grateful for all the attention we’ve received in the British press, but I think there is a stigma attached to that, and some people automatically [put up a] barrier when it comes to some of it received.”

“We tried to not get affected by any press or anything, we’re very convinced by what we’re doing and we really like that,” says bassist Arni Arnason. “And as long as we deliver what we do, then we’re [happy]. We’ve got different goals than other people might expect us to, and I think it’s pointless for us to try and live up to expectations that are built on other people’s [opinions].”

Compared to the likes of The Ramones and aligned with being ‘the saviours of British rock’, to say the band is without pressure would be an understatement. However, while the group remain admittedly flattered by the pedestal they’ve placed upon, Arnason claims that the UK media simply “wants to control what the whole world listens to”, and that their alleged guitar-rock heroism isn’t “like a national service that we provide”.

“It was a pretty interesting moment when we saw [those claims],” he continues. “It’s a pretty bold statement.”

“It was a massive surprise,” Robertson agrees. “It was one of the things where you’re first instinct is [to think], ‘this is an amazing thing to write’, then all of a sudden the pressure comes on, and you’re like, ‘are we? I didn’t know it needed saving’. It’s terrifying . . . I think certain members of the British press may have [over-romanticized] British music.”

But while the band maintain “it’s amazing [that] anyone’s heard of us outside of London”, with such a strong media presence, it’s unsurprising that North America has become well aware of the reputation that precedes them. Yet despite the sweeping generalizations made courtesy of the British press, the group remain honest about the brand of music they’ve put forth and have no intentions of trying to win over those that remain cynical.

“Naysayers will probably remain naysayers,” Robertson claims. “[The album is] very simple. It’s not going to be one of those records that after ten listens you put your headphones on and hear a distant glimmer of a French horn in the background. We love those albums as well and we all get into them, [but] I think with our music, you’re either going to [like] it or you’re not on the first listen, really. So the people that are naysayers are probably going to remain so, but hopefully we’re going to pick up a wider audience.”

“We want to make a fantastic record and make our live show as good as it can possibly be,” Arnason concludes. “I think it’s the same goal that any other band has. I think the record is to the point and very honest . . . [and] with every statement that’s made, the argument against it will be as strong as it is made in the first place.”

Tags: Music, News, The Vaccines

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