The Vaccines - Cardiff University Great Hall, 3rd November 2024

Touring in support of their sixth studio album, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations, The Vaccines made their very welcomed return to the Welsh Capital for their first performance in the city in 5 years, a show that promised to be a showcase of nostalgia and fresh direction.  

T Truman

Arriving early, lucky fans got to see a familiar face in T Truman as he took to the stage in his signature suit, tie and sun glasses attire. The disguise weren't fooling anyone. With a roller-banner featuring a replica image of him posed with a QR code, looking like it was lifted straight from the office cubicle, the stage design was complete with an old tape player and vintage synthesiser. The Vaccines guitarist Tim Lanham has shared a string of single's and EP's over the years and has recently released a debut album in to the world. A true concoction of 70's retro pop and modern age indie, the set is a delight as he worked through the LP's biggest hits and smoothest numbers. "Who here's heard of the friend zone?" he exclaimed. "I'm sorry for that.... But I wrote a song about it" - a consoling thought for many inside. Switching between guitar and keys Lanham has mastered the art of transcending bedroom-pop to the big room and it's almost tangible on "Rock 'n' Roll" as he belted out the melodic crooner in the suavest of fashion. Guaranteed to Shine is a record that's sure garner him the attention deserved.

Delivery

With the room now suitably filled, Delivery were next up. Hailing form Melbourne, the five-piece have recently announced their forthcoming second album, Force Majeure, and are continuing to build heavy traction in the UK. Known for infusing their performances with a raw, frenetic vibe, the band brought together the energy of bands like The Chats and Amyl and The Sniffers blended with their own quirky, genre-blending twist. Wasting no time, they readily launched in to their fast-paced garage-punk as they were quick to get the crowd moving through buzzing guitar solos and thrashing percussion. Crafting a genuine party atmosphere, where their driving riffs and sing-along anthems kept the audience engaged from start to finish, it was clear to see why they've making waves in the music scene with their energetic and playful live shows. Evidently displayed on the tempo "shifting Operating At A Loss" as its excitable execution and quirky lyrics kept fans hooked. From switching lead vocals and between synths and guitar, Delivery's shows are all about rocking out, with this reputation they've built for packing a punch with their three-guitar setup, tight rhythm sections, and catchy melodies, I'm sure they'll be back on our shores in no time. 

With the crowd suitably amped, pumping out ABBA, Paul Simon and Paul McCartney ahead of their arrival was a sure-fire way to get the crowd exactly where they wanted. And The Vaccines certainly aren't amateurs in the game. As the lights dimmed it paid off as ecstatic screams and cheers bellowed throughout.

From the outset, frontman Justin Young commanded the stage with a charisma and touch of swagger only he could finesse, kicking things off with "Love to Walk Away" from their recent LP. What came next was an expulsion of high energy hits from their beloved debut album What Did You Expect from the Vaccines?. Songs like "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)" and "Post Break-Up Sex" ignited the room, with fans passionately singing along to every word. This early choice of crowd-pleasers served as a brilliant hook, drawing the audience into a show that was both a trip down memory lane and a journey into The Vaccines' more recent musical explorations.

With not a bad song in their catalogue, the band had little time to chat between songs as they churned out their jangly guitar anthems with the highest calibre. Drawing from all six albums to curate a sprawling set-list of pure jubilation, the band expertly transitioned into tracks from their latest record, an LP that showed a more nuanced and mature side to their sound. From "Discount de Kooning (Last One Standing)" to "The Dreamer", their soulful croons and anthemic choruses drove each track forward with infectious energy.

Concluding with "If You Wanna" and "All In White" the band had fans revelling in their throwbacks as each track was greeted by roaring applause and spirited sing-alongs, underscoring their talent for creating tunes that instantly resonate with fans.

As they returned to the stage for a 4 track en-core, the band gave thanks and adorations to the crowd as they showed genuine appreciation to the city. There was even time for a fan request as Young reached out and took their sign pleading for "A Lack of Understanding".

With the final chords of All My Friends Are Falling in Love ringing out, it was evident that The Vaccines had delivered an unforgettable show, solidifying their reputation as one of indie rock's most electrifying live acts. With irresistible melodies, relentless energy, and heartfelt passion, they demonstrated exactly why, six albums in, their fans remain deeply loyal.

Ultimately, their Cardiff performance highlighted the band’s comfortability evolving while remaining true to the infectious, upbeat style that brought them acclaim. This is truly a band at the top of their game. 

*****