'Meet the Vamps' by The Vamps

Meet The Vamps

by The Vamps

Release Date - 14th April 2014

I know that this post is a little overdue as the album has been released for well over a month now (oops)... BUT I still felt it needed to be written about, as it is the best album that 2014 has given us so far. If you wanted a definition of what 'Indie Pop' is, listen to this album. The Vamps formed in early 2012, so they haven't actually been with us all that long, but they have a huge list of associated acts that they've supported in this short space of time, including McFly, The Wanted, Austin Mahone, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Little Mix... the list just goes on an on. Considering how busy they were, they managed to produce this gem of an album. Although they didn't write every song on the album, they did write a large majority of it, which makes me respect them more than if they had other people do all of the hard work. A few famous friends helped along the way (including McFly & Bruno Mars). It's a very strong album considering it's their debut. I feel that sometimes the first album from an artist can be very manufactured and controlled by the label as they want the artist to get the typical pop out first, so they can attract a wide audience and then later they may get to have an input in what they want the music to sound like, but with 'Meet The Vamps', this is not the case. Yes, the album is heavily pop influenced, but there are definitely country, rock and almost reggae influences too. The Vamps have definitely established their own sound, making the title of the album even more evident and important. 'Meet The Vamps' is such a fun album. Almost every song (apart from a few slower ones) make you want to just get up and dance and go crazy and sing your heart out. (I find myself performing my own concert in the shower to 'Girls On TV' on a regular basis...) The singles that have been released from the album have all been infectiously catchy, and really draw you to listen to the whole of the album, which is equally as good. It's a great summer album, and will be accompanying many barbecues and garden parties this year I'm sure. It's also a great live album. I got to experience some of the songs live when I saw them supporting Taylor Swift and they had everybody up and dancing. They will probably be appearing at many festivals this year, delighting people with their catchy, fun songs. They're also taking the album on their tour titled 'Meet The Vamps Tour' (I see a pattern here...), and I'm super jealous of everybody going as it's going to be so much fun. Overall The Vamps' debut album has provided me and many others with many great songs to listen to and just feel happy. Although there is a lot of competition with male bands right now, The Vamps are a very strong contender and ready to take it all on. Watch this space, they're going to be big.

Favourite tracks: Last Night, Somebody To You, Girls On TV, Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart), On The Floor

Forteloud rating;