The Vaccines – ‘We are one of the best bands to see live’

Five albums and 13 years in you might expect a band like The Vaccines to be past their prime. But their latest album and adrenaline-filled live performances refutes that assumption, writes Claudia Lee.

This summer, they are taking a trip to South London to perform at Community Festival in Crystal Palace Park on July 7.

The Vaccines will be joined on the big stage by some huge indie bands including Two Door Cinema Club and The Wombats.

Justin Young, 36, originally from Hampshire is the lead singer and guitarist of The Vaccines.

Mr Young told the South London Press: “We’ve actually never played in Crystal Palace so we’re really excited.

“Last time I was in Crystal Palace I was on my motorbike trying to follow my nose to Ladbroke Grove and got completely lost.

“Hopefully this time I’ll find myself, not lose myself.”

Throughout the last 13 years, the band has taken influence from US pop culture.

Their most recent album Back In Love City is reminiscent of the Beach Boys but with their unique twang of UK indie rock that runs through all their releases.

As Mr Young explains, he now lives between Los Angeles and Paris – very pop star of him – so this tendency towards American culture comes as no surprise.

Speaking on how the band have changed over time, Mr Young said: “Our music changes in the same way we change as people.

“We’re always looking for new ways to stay inspired but our DNA continues to run through.”

Mr Young assures the band’s core DNA – vibrant, fun bangers particularly from their 2011 album, What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?, that get people jumping around- always features in their performances.

He said: “If you love our old music we always play the big hitters.

“We are going to play a few new songs too which we’re really excited about.

“We’re one of the best bands to see live I personally think.

“It’s always a fun show because we give everything we’ve got, we leave the stage without an ounce of energy or sweat left.

“Adrenaline is a good friend but like most things when you’re in the eye of the storm you don’t realise how tired you are until you stop.”

Other than Mr Young, the indie-rock band is made up of Yoann Intonti, Timothy Lanham, Árni Árnason.

Mr Yung said: “It’s somewhere between a working relationship, friendship and family.

“We have deep relationships that are always evolving.

“We’re taking ourselves less seriously now so I guess that helps us get on a bit better.

“Right now the dynamics’ the best it’s been.”

The Vaccines will be performing at Community Presents in Crystal Palace Park on Friday, July 7.

Tickets are available to buy now.

 

From left: Yoann Intonnti, Justin Young, Arni Arnason and Timothy Lanham Picture: Harriet Brown