The Vaccines at Brixton Academy

The weekend started early as acclaimed English indie-rock band The Vaccines were back at the Brixton Academy for their third and final show in London. Having released three chart-topping studio albums and toured with The Rolling Stones, The Stone Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers, to name a few, the London-based four-piece is no doubt one of the leading bands in the industry right now.

Emerging from a cloud of smoke, the band opened with Handsome, the first song off their recent album, English Graffiti. In no time the entire sold-out venue was popping and bopping, and their harmonious singing engulfed every corner of the majestic hall. Alternating between old and new tracks, the band made sure that everybody was pleased – from the beer-chugging older lads in the back to the zealous rebels up front. With attempted crowd-surfing, shoulder-riding and flying drinks, this was the perfect gig atmosphere.

Whether amid the calm, soothing words of Wetsuit, off their first album, or the dirty guitar riffs in Bad Mood, the hype in the room didn’t die down. Ever-so talented frontman Justin Young kept the crowd on their feet; as soon as everybody’s favourites, Post Break-Up Sex and 20/20, came on, the fast and furious drum beats, the catchy lyrics and the playful clapping brought fans to a frenzy. That being said, the highlight had to be their classic hit, If You Wanna: hands were in the air, heads were bobbing back and forth, and radiant smiles filled the room. Young even treated fans to a serene, acoustic rendition of No Hope, beaming with joy as they sang back with astonishing volume and passion.

The dynamic quartet made sure the show remained fiery until the end, with the much-awaited Nørgaard. Covered in red confetti, dancing among the star-like disco lights illuminating the vast hall, and blinded by the vivid laser show, fans were living a movie scene. “Thank you Brixton!”, Young exclaimed, clearly overwhelmed by the audience’s love and support. The feeling was mutual; both the band and the crowd gave it their all and had the time of their lives.

Resembling a melange of The Libertines and The Ramones, The Vaccines are proof that good music still prevails. What Did You Expect from the Vaccines? asks the band. Well the answer is clear: an incredible show – and that’s what we got!

Naomi Schanen
Photo: Nick Pickles

For further information about The Vaccines and future events visit here.

Watch the video for 20/20 here: