The Vaccines performing their Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations Tour at Rock City Nottingham on Wednesday 7th February 2024.
Images and Review by Kevin Cooper
Live, The Vaccines are more than just firm indie favourites; they are a class act through and through and Wednesday’s show at Rock City to promote their sixth album, Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations, proved just that.
Stomping their feet and punching their fists in the air, the five piece blasted their way through a twenty song set list and when they opened with new song, Love To Walk Away, they took the packed crowd straight to indie heaven. And with Justin Hayward-Young taking the lead as the energetic front man throughout, he showcased his excellent vocal skills as only he knows how.
Delivering a perfectly poised balance between their reliable crowd winners and their newbies which slotted in seamlessly, the likes of Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra) with its searing guitar riffs and cascading drums and I Can’t Quit were all delivered with style, magnetism and musicianship.
There were several sing alongs such as Teenage Icon from their 2012 album, Come Of Age and iconic tracks like Wetsuit, which slowed things down for this appreciative crowd that included Everton’s Manager, Sean Dyche. The unforgettable tune of Post Break-Up Sex was followed by the melancholic stomper, Discount De Kooning (Last One Standing) that had the crowd swaying in unison.
Hit single Headphones Baby from their 2021 album Back In Love City was followed by Jump Off The Top, both songs serving to really ignite the live setting, before they launched into I Always Knew, a slow burning classic that quickly turned into a full sing along anthem.
Playing the classic disco floor filling hit If You Wanna that had the crowd dancing along, they finished their main set with All In White which had injected a final dose of exhilaration into a set that was exactly that from start to finish.
In the encore there were two new album tracks, Sometimes I Swear and Lunar Eclipse before All My Friends Are Falling In Love with its lofty melodies and harmonised vocals brought this treat of a set to a close.