Sometimes the hype is right! Last night, I went to see The Vaccines. I'd read a little of the hype. It was the tunes and live reviews that sealed it for me. An abundantly positive vibe easily bore its way through my crusty husk and I wanted it bad. Give to me Vaccines, ah ha, ah ha.
I often take a gamble with gigs and rarely anticipate the outcome. It's not oft that the air tastes so right. As the night approached, I felt very little doubt and great expectation. Something rather special was heading my way. I was not wrong.
I took my place, right down the front, and - from the moment Pete Robertson (drummer) landed his first beat - I couldn't stop bouncing. Opening with Wreckin' Bar, The Vaccines took to the stage and stomped straight through it. Ra Ra Ra! Wreckin' Bar! Start with the one we all know lads. Aim, fire and - yep - spot on target.
Break-Up Sex followed and if break up sex could boast such a sustained rhythm, even for 90 seconds, human beings might spontaneously combust. No chance for another break up. Leave the world in an ecstatic flame fest. Nutty fast drums and jangly guitars on a Billy Whizz ride to the crack den. Take me, I'm yours.
The band may not actually stomp, for the most part they move very little, but the few tunes they have are dirty little belters, even the slow ones, such as Blow It Up. Think 'Is This It' (The Strokes) blended with 'Up The Bracket' (The Libertines), with some understated nonchalance to boot. The Vaccines pull off moving very little on stage far better than The Strokes. The tunes have more poke and occasionally the three guitarists line themselves up like a rather pretty version of Status Quo. Axe men ahoy!
Every song leaves you wanting more. Short, gritty and bouncy: The Vaccines know how to pack a cracking punch. Go drums, go guitars! Fill me with your buoyant energy and allow me not a chance to think.
What freedom! Helpless dancing, with no room for an 'if' or a 'but', let alone a random notion.
Yeah, the set was shorter than a long poo and there was no encore. What do you expect from a band touring on the strength of a few demos?
If they’re heading to a town near you, don't go for a poo, you might miss them.
Here's The Vaccines set list:
Wreckin' Bar
Post Break Up Sex
All in White
If You Wanna
Blow it Up
European Sun
Wet Suit
A Lack of Understanding
Norgaard
I have to say, the Brighton audience needs a bloody big kick up the arse. It was like being trapped in a room full of ironing boards. I counted just six people that allowed the music to steal their hearts enough to dance. Hoorah to the six of us! I bet you they go wild in Stoke. Stoke will put Brighton to shame. I heard great things about the indie scene in Stoke from a very enthusiastic couple at Glasto. If you starve a town of culture they go mad for it. Too right!
Fabpants Recommends:
Download MP3: The Vaccines - If You Wanna (courtesy of mbvmusic.com)
Download MP3: The Vaccines - Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra) (courtesy of poptartstunes.com)
Download MP3: The Vaccines - Blow It Up (courtesy of poptartstunes.com)
Yes, they’ve already met Jools. They played all three of the songs that I've included above on the tele. Here's one to get you going:
If you're hooked, MTV have a Blow It Up video exclusive too.
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