The Vaccines were in town and Daniel Zambartas was among the 2,000 fans bouncing to their music at Content.
It seemed too good to be true; there were still £16 tickets available to see The Vaccines in Liverpool at Content, just two days before the gig on Saturday.
It wasn’t too good to be true; it was even better than expected.
Anticipating a live play-through of their new album Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations, the band from London did some of their strongest new releases, but mainly went through their biggest hits: I can’t quit, Post Break-Up Sex, If You Wanna, Wreckin’ Bar, All My Friends Are Falling In Love, Wetsuit.
They were all part of a short-but-sweet 45-minute set.
The new album might be their most impressive since their debut, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?, was released in 2011.
The rock quartet (although there were five members performing on the night) have the zeitgeist on how to write an indie anthem – they always have done.
The shout-able choruses and pop-written melodies; the Strokes-style guitars with the fast-paced downwards strokes on the power chords; the simple chords and the simple lyrics, all made relatable to young adults and teenagers.
The standouts off Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations have all these elements. Sometimes, I Swear, makes for a great opener for their album and gigs.
It sounds hopeful, but is about the struggles of fitting in – extremely catchy.
Heartbreak Kid also sounds lively, but is, as the title suggests, about a tough break-up.
Lunar Eclipse is all about the driving rhythm from both the drums and the vocal melody. It probably crosses more into the indie-pop category, as does the 80s-sounding Sunkissed, helped by the use of synths in the nostalgia-themed chorus.
Sunkissed wasn’t played on Saturday, even though it is arguably one of the best tracks on the album. But, neither were the popular A Lack Of Understanding or Norgaard.
It was a short set, but it’s still a testament to how many strong tracks the band have produced, when you consider these were all left out of the performance.
The lead singer, Justin Young, couldn’t sound any more accurate to how he sounds on record.
He doesn’t really run around or jump, but by the look in his eyes when he sings, he must drink around 40 Red Bulls before he goes on stage, each one mixed with three table spoons of sugar.
You’d be forgiven for thinking he was American as that’s the accent he sings in, but his speaking voice is actually just your standard southern English.
He’s not a ground-breaking vocalist, but what he offers is perfect for this style of music.
The Vaccines can’t quit their formula which has brought them a lot of success for over a decade now, and who can blame them?
It makes for a great live experience.
Mersey Music 