We’ve got a lot of catching up to do. LIKE A LOT! I believe I’ve gone to almost ten gigs in the last two weeks or so. I’ve sort of lost count. Plus I don’t want to even think of the amount of pictures waiting for me to edit. It’s been really hectic. Not complain though. Never complain.

First, this particular gig was not on the agenda but I received very last minute tickets to see The Vaccines playing at the O2 Academy Brixton so how could I say No? I could not, of course. I mean they are THE VACCINES. Second, it was over a week ago and many people have probably forgotten that even happened. Also I don’t have any sweet live shots for you this time but it was brilliant. This is why I decided to spare a minute and share a few thoughts.

I kept wondering how come it’d taken me so long to see them performing live. Yes, that was my first The Vaccines show. And they were glorious. You’d expect them to be a little bit worn out considering the fact they played quite a marathon. Practically, they were living inside that venue. The show on Nov 26th was their last (out of three) gig that week.

Supported by the lovely gals The Big Moon who you would’ve know by now from some previous coverage and the four-piece from Merthyr Tydfil Pretty Vicious – the band so lively that has certainly caught a lot of my attention.

But let’s move to the headline act, shall we?

Opening with the track Handsome The Vaccines make a very bold statement which slightly contradicts the next song Teenage Icon. Justin Hayward-Young, the frontman of the band, goes from I just thank the lord above that I am pretty (so pretty) to the 2012 state of Reserved and shy, your average guy proving that all the lack of confidence has been washed away within the years. Good.

Stopping by in the Ghost Town the band takes us on the journey of the flashing lights and disco balls slowing down with the song Dream Lover. Interlacing tracks taken from the album Come Of Age and the latest record English Graffiti seems to be working just fine. So let’s go back in time a little bit more.

Moving on to one of the crowd’s favourite Wetsuit The Vaccines bring that specific indie-rock to life. And that’s exactly What You Expected From The Vaccines. The audience is going crazy. Me? Probably up on my feet since the very first note.

As proven by many bands and many times before, even rock stars have some memory issues. Accompanied by the paper sheet with the written lyrics all over it, Young admits the band has not played A Lack of Understanding for a very long time. Singing It’s only been a year but it feels like a lifetime here suits the atmosphere quite alright if you ask me. It has happened to my favourite band in the past so I’ll have it. Everything’s good. No worries.

Before the band plays Post Break-Up Sex the lead singer reveals that this particular song was the first song they played at Academy Brixton for a very first time. And today is their 10th! Ten times at only one venue? Pretty cool!

I must say The Vaccines have sill got it. The stage presence is extraordinary. Young sways his way from (All Afternoon) In Love and jumpy bits of Give Me A Sign with strong gesticulation worth of a theatrical play. A lot of swinging arms and going down on the knees too. I don’t know where to look so many things are happening onstage. Moreover, Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra) only reminds why we love that short-songwriting genius of his.

The band plays more tracks from the English Graffiti but they’re not stealing the show. Heading to I Always Knew and If You Wanna the crowd totally lose it. I feel like the entire room is dancing around and singing along. Well, maybe besides a few individuals who are still sitting down next to me on the balcony. I will never understand that. I refuse to understand that.

The Vaccines finishes the main set off with the amazing All In White. The song that definitely makes them glorious.

This is the moment when you just want to shout all those verses back at them starting with

Oh, it’s always you
Oh, I always knew

And moving to

If you wanna come back it’s alright, it’s alright

As if we’ve got some sort of telepathic connection the lead singer reappears on stage kicking off the encore with the acoustic version of No Hope while the audience sings back every word. Next, all members reunite for We’re Happening which is quite a something. This is when Freddie, the guitarist, decides to stage dive and I realise I actually miss the mosh pits. Sometimes. Alright, alright.. very often. And all that squeezing in the first row. And the excitement and restless bodies. But on the other hand, the view from the balcony is pretty cool too. Plus the air to breathe definitely works in favour.

So what’s next? Were you paying attention?

Of course Nørgaard. And to be honest there’s nothing left to be said about this song despite of all what’s already been said.

As for the band – they’ve still got it. And as it appears they will never lose it.