The Vaccines are an English indie rock guitar band, and might just be one of the best bands to see live. Is there a more charismatic, engaging frontman than Justin Young? Not many. The band are mid-way through an 11 date UK tour, supporting their fifth album, Back In Love City. We caught the show at The Guildhall in Portsmouth, UK.
Lights go down and “Misirlou” from Pulp Fiction soundtrack plays, the excitement is palpable. The Vaccines come on stage and the crowd literally go wild and don’t stop; dancing and singing to a superb set-list of classics and new songs from one of the best live bands in the UK. This was a special show. “Wanderlust” is the first song, from the new album, an exciting guitar-riff-heavy glam-stomper, and we are in for a superb show.
There’s not much chat between songs, there’s just too many to fit in. Frontman Justin is however still incredibly engaging with the crowd, eye contact with seemingly everyone, animated and exciting to watch, a real showman. He does pause for breath to tell us that Portsmouth has a special place in his heart as he grew up going to gigs local to the show’s venue, The Pyramids and The Wedgewood Rooms. The crowd love him even more.
Classic songs from the bands back-catalogue including “Wetsuit”, “Post Break-Up Sex”, are mixed with the ‘instant-classics’ new material, including “Jump Off The Top” with its chorus-opening excitement, and the crowd are still bouncing and singing along.
Justin moves to his white acoustic guitar for the classic “Handsome” from album English Graffiti. Another superb song from the bands impressive collection. The band’s energy is matched entirely by that of the crowd. The last song before the encore is “If You Wanna” from the band’s first album, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? Literally everyone in the venue is singing along. The band return for three more songs, “XCT” from the new album, the classic first song from the band’s first album of 2011, “Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)”, and finally from the same album, “All In White”. A superb show, superb lighting and sound, and an awesome band to catch live.
Main support came from Black Honey, a British four-piece indie rock band formed in Brighton. Lead singer and guitarist Izzy Baxter, superbly entertaining.
Opening the show was East London-based musician and producer Aziya, a treat to catch live.
Photos and words by Tony Palmer (@shot_by_tony).
Keep up with The Vaccines by following their socials: Facebook /// Instagram /// Website
Keep up with Black Honey by following their socials: Facebook /// Instagram /// Website
Keep up with Aziya by following their socials: Facebook /// Instagram
