The Vaccines, Alexandra Palace, London, live review: Showing Ally Pally how it's done
The band returned to their North London stomping ground for an electrifying show
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Your support makes all the difference.Tonight the buzz at Ally Pally is palpable. The Vaccines are set to return to their North London stomping ground, having last played here in 2012. First up though indie pop trio When Young open the night, their single “Pretty Pure” a crowd pleaser with its anthemic chorus “I don’t think I’m human anymore” mixed brilliantly with scuzzy guitars and thumping drums.
Main support comes from Dream Wife, an all-female outfit who set the rock ’n’ roll tone with songs like the punk-inspired “Let’s Make Out”, reminiscent of Wolf Alice, and tinged with a similar sense of sexual desire. The layered melody of “Love Without Reason” is infectious, its plucky guitars and lustful lyrics making it a highlight of their set.
As The Vaccines breeze on the stage, they are poised to show Ally Pally how it’s done, opening with their hedonistic recent single “Nightclub”, which electrifies the crowd superbly. “Wreckin’ Bar (Ra Ra Ra)” follows, played at its exhilaratingly breathless best tonight. Soaring anthem “Dream Lover” from third album English Graffiti is majestic.
The rip-roaring riff of “20/20” is mesmerising, as is “Your Love Is My Favourite Band” from new album Combat Sports. It’s poetry in lyrics like “I knew you wouldn't understand, but your love is my favourite band” in the latter are sung effortlessly and are beautifully complemented by a looping guitar riff that is utterly infectious.
Fan favourite “Noorgard” from their debut album is explosive, and still sounds deliciously fresh. Recent single “I Can’t Quit” has the palace rocking to the rafters as 10,000 punters shake it to its core, bellowing the chorus “I can’t quit, I’m over it” back at the band.
The deadpan delivery of lead singer Justin’s rock ’n’ roll quip, “I’m not gonna call you Alexandra Palace tonight” is brilliantly timed as they rip into yet another hit from their arsenal. A brief exit from the stage is followed by a three-song encore, with penultimate hit “Put It On a T-shirt” met with adoration from the crowd. Tonight The Vaccines made Ally Pally their own.
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