Bands like The Vaccines are always the hardest to review. There is so much hype surrounding these guys it's ridiculous. These British rockers have already received the Arctic Monkeys treatment without even releasing an album yet. People are quick to compare them to the Ramones and the Strokes, but I don't think that's a fair comparison. If the show tonight proved anything, it was that the Vaccines are their own band and they are poised to take the music world by storm. What made them so great is the fact that they seemed to have perfected the art of what I like to call "Gloom Rock". With song titles like "Post Break Up Sex" and "A Lack of Understanding" it's hard to deny that these guys have some serious issues that they are dealing with. The songs deal with feeling alone, losing someone you cared about, and miscommunication.
While the lyrics are dark, the songs are still able to start a dance party.. Towards the end of the concert there was some serious hipster dancing going on. It's a rare sight to see a hipster at a concert with their arms uncrossed dancing, but the energy of the band allowed that to happen. It's great to see a young band have that much control over an audience. The highlights for me were "Post Break Up Sex" "If you Wanna" and "A Lack of Understanding". I can't wait to see where these guys careers will take them. I will say this though, after seeing them live I honestly believe that they are worthy of all the hype. I just hope they keep it up.
The Vaccines 1-23-11 Setlist
1.Wreckin' Bar
2. We are Happening
3. Post Break Up Sex
4. All in White
5. If you Wana
6. What's your Perception
7. A Lack of Understanding
8. European Sun
9. Blow it up
10. Good Guys
11. Norgaard
