Tonight, The Vaccines close their spring tour ahead of the release of their highly-anticipated third studio album, English Graffiti, at Brixton Electric. It’s a relatively intimate venue for the five-piece (yes, they’ve a new member who provides texture to their sound), whose last tour saw them headline London's O2 Arena.
Those lucky enough to get tickets are here in a devoted fashion: fan girls lose their t-shirts and guys of all ages push and shove each other to express their admiration for the band - who let’s face it - do know their way around an indie rock n roll hit. ‘If You Wanna’ – which was their breakthrough single - gathers the greatest response of the evening, whilst ‘Melody Calling’, from their 2013 EP, shows their movement toward more complex songs in terms of emotion and technical exploration.
New cut ‘Handsome’ is more of a reflection of their knack for an explosive single, whilst the excellent ‘Minimal Affection’ shows more sonic exploration and even introduced a backing track for a staccato part.
Ultimately, The Vaccines are a hotter live proposition with their new material, and although the crowd are only 1,500 at capacity, the roar from the mosh pit feels like we’re at the front of a huge gig.
However, despite the obvious frivolity though there’s not a completely reckless atmosphere here. It’s possible with songs this catchy and appealing to the rowdy laddish gig goer for more enjoyable chaos. North England would possibly be a better place to see them (cheap beer a catalyst no doubt). However, there’s a strong chorus here to accompany Justin Young’s singing, which like many great indie front men before him, is within easy range to imitate.
The crowd enjoy singing their hearts out to his hits about post break up sex, being in a bad mood, and falling for a 17-year-old who isn’t ready to commit. With their kooky indie outcast subject matter in tact they remain a great addition band for teenagers and their dads willing to think outside of the mundane - even if it’s just for a moment - to adore.
