One could say that, with their influences equally split between pop-punk and brainy/noisy indie rock, The Vaughns represent the perfect balance between the most dominant musical inclinations of the Garden State and the Big Apple. But, of course, influences mean nothing if they aren’t supported by good and original songwriting, and the Springfield, NJ, quartet can certainly deliver in that department. Their 2017 single Santa Cruz is still their most accomplished track to date, with its pressing arpeggiated chord progression that seems able to build up tension for an indefinite amount of time, and vocalist Anna Lies’ borderline casual approach to singing. More recent single "Bring Your Kids to Work Day" (video streaminbg below) is a faster, punkier number dressed with Sonic Youth-style guitar stabs, Blur-worthy "who-oos," culminating into an orgiastic (sonically speaking) grand finale. The band just landed an opening slot for The Gaslight Anthem’s show at Irving Plaza on June 22, it should be fun.
