The Vaccines
Bristol 02 Academy
2nd December, 2011

What Did You Expect From The Vaccines? was released to critical acclaim. Short and to the point, it’s much like their live show: on at 8:50pm, done and dusted by 9:45. This may account for the slightly subdued crowd, who took time to warm up before coming to life during If You Wanna, fairly late in the set. Despite comparisons with bands that have influenced them (they walk on stage to Ramones’ music) and a considerable amount of hype, they manage to stamp their own personality on a set of indie-pop replicating their album. Frontman Justin Young’s interaction with the crowd was limited and, from the first songs, Blow It Up and Wreckin’ Bar, through Family Friend to the encore finale, Norgaard, the band performed competently, but you never felt that they completely let go. The set included new material, as well as favorites Wetsuit and Post Break-Up Sex. The Vaccines deliver just about what you might expect.