The Vaccines at The O2 Academy, Bournemouth

Formed in 2010, The Vaccines have become a regular in the UK indie scene. The group’s 2011 debut LP reached a staggering Number 4 in the UK Album Chart and helped The Vaccines cement their place in British musical history. Their subsequent three albums, released over the last six years, have seen the band sell more than one million records.

After an almost three year musical drought, the five-piece announced their fourth studio album. ‘Combat Sports’ was released on March 30th and reached was the group’s second LP to peak at Number 4 in the UK. Frontman Justin Hayward-Young’s unique vocals gives the record a familiar feel. Heavy guitar melodies and backing vocals help to bring back what we’ve learnt to love from The Vaccines. A return to their roots, perhaps.

The band’s latest UK tour took us back to the O2 Academy in Bournemouth. A sold out enthusiastic crowd was what Hayward-Young and co was greeted with upon entering the stage. The Vaccines played an ear-bursting 22 song setlist. It’s always a pleasure when a band includes tracks from their back catalogue, mixing a wide variety of new and old tracks.

Opening with new single ‘Nightclub’, The Vaccines then smoothly moved into ‘Wrecking Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’. Each track was greeted with a cheer and a wave of energy. A highlight was the first few notes of ‘20/20’, the band’s massive single from their previous record ‘English Graffiti’. This sent everyone into a frenzy. The Vaccines have not lost their touch in their time away, and they certainly know how to get the party going from the very first note to the very last.

It’s great to have an icon of British indie music back in form. With a number of festivals and high profile gigs coming up, it’ll be hard to miss the London band this summer at one festival or another.

THE GIG IN REVIEW:

• Great range of old and new tracks.
• Entusiast crowd and great atmosphere.

inSYNC Rating – 8.0/10.0