Gig review - The Vaccines @ O2 Apollo

   Last night, I was lucky enough to see The Vaccines at the O2 Apollo in Manchester. I expected a lot from them, and actually expected to be overwhelmed. They didn't let me down, lets just say that.
   It's been an amazing past few years for The Vaccines. After hitting the ground running when they released 'If You Wanna' back in 2010, which quickly received praise from all walks of life, they have managed to work themselves up festival line-ups, make themselves a household name and even land themselves a number 1 album. 'What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?' was the album that cemented The Vaccines in every day life, and the follow-up, 'Come Of Age' is just about doing the same job. With this being their biggest tour to date, apart from the arena tour next year, they are getting bigger and bigger, and no doubt within the next few years or so, they will be headlining small festivals and even subbing amongst the biggest names in music at major festivals.
   I have to admit I actually wasn't up for the gig yesterday, with a mixture of tiredness and genuinely just not being arsed, after all this would be the 3rd time i've seen them. The only thing that got me slightly in the mood was XFM playing 'Wetsuit' in the car on the way to college. Constant play of my Vaccines playlist on Spotify couldn't even shift my mood but it all changed when they graced us with their presence on stage. But first of course the supports. First up was Pale, who mysteriously I couldn't find any information on this morning. The duo mixed a techno drum with a heavyly reverbed guitar, which created an eerie effect. Their sound bounced off every wall. Even though they only played around a 15 minute set, they bashed out every track and left a lasting impression on me and i'm sure many other people. Great first support. Next up was a band called Deap Vally. I'd listened to them before last night, and I have to admit I wasn't much of a fan. When they walked on stage I wasn't expecting much, but I guess I was proven wrong in some sense. The lead singer didn't half know how to play guitar, the only let down was her Jack Black sounding voice. The drummer was top notch. She almost looked like she was dominating the drum kit but I guess that was just the way they both are. Overall the music was class but the singing was a letdown. The final support was DIIV. A band that mixed grungy psychedelica with melodic indieness. They were off their heads on whatever they had taken, that was clear, but they were the perfect set up for The Vaccines. The crowd was jumping, even mini moshpits were formed, getting everyone ready for what was to come from the headliners.

   The lights dimmed, the crowd roared and out came Justin, Pete, Arni and Freddie, with the overwhelming stench of weed following them. "Hello" said Justin, taking his guitar and thrashing out the intro to the raucous 'No Hope'. The floor absolutely erupted, as Justin belted every lyric angrily down the mic. Following it up with 'Wreckin' Bar' which sent people over the bar whilst Justin paced from side to side of the stage. The band continued to give us hit after hit, with the likes of 'Tiger Blood', 'Post Break-Up Sex', 'Blow It Up' and many other tracks from 'What Did You Expect...' whilst giving us new tracks such as 'All In Vain', 'Aftershave Ocean', 'Weirdo' and my personal favorite off 'Come Of Age', 'Ghost Town'. New tracks settled just as well as the old with the mix group of people that listened, watched and sung back every one of the lyrics. The night was toned down with new track, 'Change Of Heart Pt. 2' and the anthemic 'All In White' which made you appreciate how good of a live band The Vaccines actually are. 'Teenage Icon' became an instant hit amongst the crowd, passionate arms were thrown up in the air during the chorus and the floor moved and people danced and moshed with the music. We were left on a cliffhanger with signature track 'If You Wanna' which was just as mental as every other track played throughout the night. Often when your standing at a gig, you're unconsciously wishing that the set would end just so you could get away from the sweaty guys you're uncomfortable pressed up against, but their set passed in a flash and everyone just wanted more. Well that's just exactly what we got. Heads held high, the band strolled back on stage with the destined for fame 'Bad Mood' in tow. The audience bouncing, exhausted, but powering through for the final few tracks. Finally, we were given the exhilarating 'Norgaard'. The band and audience bouncing untill the last 'oohoohoohooh'. A well deserved bow was taken, the crowd showing their appreciation with screams and cheers.
   ELECTRIC. That's all I really have to say about these. They were on fire! They just manage to get better and better every time I see them, and i'm sure that will continue. Stepping up to the mark as usual. Take a bow lads, perfection of a set.
   Their UK tour continues throughout the last few days of November and the lads are back in May for their arena tour. So treat yourself. Buy a ticket. Buy their album. You definitely wont regret it.