The Vaccines

There's a huge buzz of excitement in the air tonight. This band has only played a handful of gigs and released two singles but there's an almost Arctic Monkeys level of next big thing hanging over these boys heads, so, no pressure then lads.....

The guys take the stage and kick straight in to debut single ' Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra) '. The one and a half minutes of pure energy bounces straight off the already pogoing crowd. This no bullshit, short sharp shock of a single was a statement of intent from The Vaccines as a first single, and it's a fitting jump start to the gig. They follow up with rousing B-side 'We're Happening', ( if they're happy to chuck this track out as a B-side what else have they got in store?! ) and swiftly follow that up with the A side, new single 'Post Break up Sex'. Most of the crowd would go home happy if the gig finished now......

Despite the extremely limited amount of releases, Vaccines fans will already be aware of various demo and live versions of tracks floating around the good old world wide web, and most of the crowd here tonight seem to have familiarised themselves, and indeed learned most of the lyrics to much of tonight's set. The brilliant 'If You Wanna' goes down like an old classic, with it's 60's feeling, almost too catchy chorus still banging itself around my head hours after the gig was finished.

The Vaccines seem to manage to effortlessly create a different sound with each track without seeming remotely contrived. Influences as far apart as the Beach boys and The Jesus & Mary Chain, The Ramones and Buddy Holly all pop their heads up at various points during the night. The overriding fact is though, that these guys have their own very fresh sound, and just write good, simple, rock 'n' roll songs with their own brand of youth, excitement and enthusiasm bursting out as they play them live for us.

They look slightly nervous yet assured, play confidently, and strut around the stage accordingly. Slightly slower songs, 'All in White' and 'A lack of Understanding' showcase the impressive range of Justin Young's vocals, and the one minute punky blasts of 'Wreckin Bar' and the awesome set closer 'Norgaard' just infectiously inject ( no pun intended ) themselves into your brain and don't let go.

I haven't been this excited about a new band for years. Without laying it on too thick, the band and the crowd here tonight know this is the early stages of something special. Songs this good just have to be heard. You won't see them playing anywhere near this small in the near future so go and see them NOW !

Once they release the album there's gonna be no stopping them.........

Setlist -

Wreckin' Bar (Ra ra ra)
We're Happening
Post Break-Up Sex
All In White
If You Wanna
Wolf Pack
A Lack Of Understanding
Wet Suit
Under Your Thumb
Blow It Up

Sometimes Good Guys Don't Wear White - The Standells cover
Nørgaard