Photo Credit: Alicia Woods
Words: Angelica Mae

The Vaccines returned to Nottingham’s Rock City, celebrating the 15th anniversary of their debut album ‘What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?‘, with an electric performance and a crowd that felt every spark of energy the band had to offer. A band that has impacted the indie rock scene with their distinctive and infectious sound, producing a total of six records during their 15 years as a band. Lead singer, Justin Young, claimed that they have seven if you count albums that they’ve written, hinting at an album for fans to look forward to. 

Hailing from Chicago, band Brigette Calls Me Baby took to the stage with their unique alternative rock sound which was evidently made for the British crowds. Their dramatic brand and sound echoed roots from The Strokes and The Smiths while still retaining an original identity. The set featured tracks from their upcoming album, set to release on the 13th March. Warming the crowds, the band held the stage with a magnetic energy that captivated the audience’s attention immediately, with their instrumental cohesiveness, a dramatic, danceable sound and a cool, collected tone to their stage presence. Although most tracks were unfamiliar to those in the crowd, the Nottingham audience had no hesitation in getting involved and embracing the performance in its entirety. 

Soon the lights for The Vaccines came on, with their marquee letters lit up in its pink shade, something a fan of the band knows all too well. Dominating the atmosphere, the band started the run with the iconic track ‘Blow It Up‘, an rebellious anthem to start the thrilling energy of the night. Following after, the remaining tracks of ‘What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?’ were played from start to finish; still packing a punch of adolescent thrill and youthful defiance. 

Fan favourites were clear, with songs like ‘Post Break-Up Sex‘, ‘Wetsuit‘ and ‘If You Wanna‘, which created a liberating scene in the room, with the nostalgia well loved and well alive. In particular, ‘Nørgaard‘ encapsulated the restlessness of the band’s signature energy from their early era with its playful tempo and infectious chorus which as a result got the crowd shouting every line back at them. 

Still adored fifteen years later, the album remains electrifying and deeply beloved to both old and new fans, proving itself as a formidable force in the indie rock scene, with a spark that shows no signs of fading and is unlikely ever to do so. 

Frontman, Justin Young, reflected on the journey of the album, expressing that they never would have expected the album to be where it is now, giving gratitude to their fans, “You made it all possible”. Young also expressed the nostalgia that the city gave them, with their first photo as a band being taken in the car park of Rock City, “I’m pretty sure we played a gig round the corner under some old fake band name.”, to which he stated that no one will ever find out. 

As the set moved past their debut album, The Vaccines weren’t done showcasing their impact to indie-rock, not only celebrating their album successes but also their banging singles and EPs. Tracks like ‘Your Love Is My Favourite Band‘, ‘Headphones Baby‘ and ‘Heartbreak Kid‘, all an ode to the band’s passion and dedication to the craft. With ‘Teenage Icon‘ and ‘I Can’t Quit‘, packing an intense punch and impact that sent the audience into

full-blown mosh pits. Proving that their acclaim isn’t just rooted in nostalgia, the band has clearly cemented its influence in indie rock. 

The band briefly left with an atmosphere that felt almost like an unofficial end to the set, as the crowd screamed for one more song. Even better yet, Young came back to satisfy the audience with a solo acoustic rendition of the band’s ‘No Hope‘. The rest of the band soon came back to support Justin, commemorating the creation of their 7th album, with a new unreleased track ‘10 Years Later‘ revelling in the future of the band, stating that “Our best work is still ahead of us”. To officially end the encore set and the night in its entirety, was ‘All My Friends Are Falling In Love‘, leaving the crowd buzzing with an infectious energy, a perfect finale to end the night. 

The Vaccines are a band for anyone and everyone, whether you’re a long time fan or hearing them for the first time, their music lands with the same compelling charm; a night to celebrate the past. Renowned for their electrifying performances and unwavering energy, continuing to captivate fans with a promise that the best is still yet to come.