The Vaccines have captured the hearts and minds of young Londoners and are now setting their sights further afield.
The London-based four-piece are casually aware of the anticipation that is starting to build up around them. “I wish I could make the beginning of the band sound more interesting,” bemoans front man Justin Young. “But to be honest I think we probably met how every other band in the world meet: through a love of music.”
Their frenetic breed of guitar-driven pop isn’t necessarily new, and certainly isn’t innovative, but there is no question that there is a public appetite for it. Especially from a younger contingent, who possibly didn’t get the opportunity to see it the first time round, from bands like The Libertines.
In October, and on the strength of a demo alone, they managed to sell out London’s Flowerpot. Reportedly two hundred people had to be turned away at the door. It’s fast becoming one of those ‘I was there’ moments.
“I’m a really big believer in building your house upon the rock,” Young states. “You know, being an honest touring band. I just want to tour and tour and tour, because that’s where you pick up new fans and it’s the right way of doing things. Giving everything you’ve got.”
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Their debut single, the double A-sided ‘Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’ and ‘Blow It Up’, is due for release on November 29th – the day before the final date of their tour. This is a statement of how far the band has come so quickly, and that their priorities really do lie on stage. Having said that, they are looking to record their debut LP before the end of the year.
“We’re starting our album soon and we’ll make it in two weeks. It’ll be a live record,” declares the enthusiastic front man. “In the past I’ve always been a fan of bands creating masterpieces in the studio and always hated the idea of live records, but I think for what we’re doing it’s perfect really. Our songs are simple and energetic and I want to capture that.”
It’s a statement which virtually captures the essence of the band, not just their ends but their means too. The whole scene around them has an innocent energy, which has the ability to capture the imagination, whilst the ever-present danger of past implosions from bands that are now considered rock ‘n’ roll royalty reverberate around every venue they enter. If all goes to plan it looks like The Vaccines will almost certainly ‘Blow It Up’.
Words by Samuel Ballard
Photo by Elinor Jones
Where: London
What: Guitar-driven pop
Get 3 songs: ‘Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)’, ‘If You Wanna’, ‘Blow It Up’
Unique fact: Arni, The Vaccines’ Icelandic bassist, used to be in a band with Bjork’s son.
