PERENNIAL pop-punkers, Panic! at the Disco’s shock split in July 2009 left the band in pieces after Jon Walker and Ryan Ross left, citing creative differences, and it’s not hard to see why as the pair have gone back to basics with their new outfit, The Young Veins.
The California based band’s debut album, ‘Take a Vacation’, lures listeners into a time where mini skirt clad youngsters were bopping to the beats of the Beatles and free love was in full flow. This 60’s throwback hits you with simple guitar riffs, catchy chorus’ and jingling tambourines right from the start.
Walker and Ross have set out a smorgasbord of short, foot tapping, classically inspired melodies kicking off with their first single ‘Change’ which immediately sets the up tempo bar for the rest of the album. A stripped back, chorus-verse-chorus set up with guitar solo to boot, this track is a clear departure from any modern pop punk leniencies to say the least.
The title track is also a delight but this time with upbeat harmonies that are reminiscent of the Beach Boys and lyrics that make you feel like you’re in a VW camper van on the way to a California beach in mid summer. Playfully Ross sets the scene with a catchy hook and cute lines like “We’ll leave the waves at the ocean and keep them all in a picture.”
The Young Vein’s first outing is not all surfing and sun however as the album features some cleverly written and at times sleepy tracks. The dreamy ‘Everyone but You’ floats into your ears like a lullaby with chilled out strumming and gentle jingling that are as mesmerising as Walker lovingly singing, “I’m tired of counting sheep to see her, I sleep because I need her.”
Another love laden track comes in the form of the reflective, ‘Dangerous Blues’, where Ross talks about the realisation that “Love is a beautiful drug” among gentle harmonies and a welcoming piano. This leads on through softer songs like ‘Lie About the Truth’, which takes you through calming guitar strumming and ‘Heart of Mine’ which is made to sound almost as if it’s being sung around a camp fire with a sing-along atmosphere and informal laughter.
This album is more than a departure from Walker and Ross’ pop punk roots, it’s a real U-turn that is sure to meet both the needs of the new wave of Beatles and Kinks lovers as well as their parents. Crammed with bouncy riffs and melodies that take you to the beach, your dreams and the very best bits of your youth, this retro album takes you back to the care free 60’s and all they stood for.
In fact this finely tuned pop rock vortex is summed up by the anthemic ‘Young Veins (Die Tonight)’, where Ross sings: “We have the time of our lives every night, like it’s our job to lose our minds.”
9/10
Also published on www.virgin.com
http://www.virgin.com/music/reviews/the-young-veins-album-review-take-a-vacation
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