The Vaccines
The Vaccines are an English indie rock band formed in West London in 2010 by vocalist and guitarist Justin Hayward-Young and guitarist Freddie Cowan, renowned for their punchy, melody-driven songs that blend garage rock energy with pop hooks.[1][2] Initially comprising Young, Cowan, bassist Árni Árnason, and drummer Pete Robertson, the band quickly gained prominence after a viral YouTube performance of their track "If You Wanna," leading to a signing with Columbia Records and selection as BBC's Sound of 2011.[1] Their debut album, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? (2011), achieved platinum status in the UK and featured hits like "If You Wanna" and "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)," establishing them as festival staples and opening acts for major artists such as the Rolling Stones and Red Hot Chili Peppers.[2][3] Following the success of their second album, Come of Age (2012), which peaked at number one on the UK Albums Chart, the band experienced lineup shifts, with Robertson departing in 2016 and being replaced by drummer Yoann Intonti, while keyboardist and guitarist Timothy Lanham transitioned from touring member to full-time status.[2][4] Subsequent releases included English Graffiti (2015), Combat Sports (2018)—both reaching the UK top five—and Back in Love City (2021), after which founding guitarist Cowan left the group.[3][5] The band's sixth studio album, Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations (2024), marked their latest evolution, produced with a focus on raw energy and released amid announcements of a 2025 tour.[3][4] As of 2025, The Vaccines consist of Young (lead vocals, guitar), Árnason (bass, vocals), Lanham (guitars, keys, vocals), and Intonti (drums), continuing to tour extensively and maintain a loyal following through their high-octane live performances.[4]History
2010–2011: Formation and debut album
The Vaccines formed in West London in 2010 when vocalist and guitarist Justin Hayward-Young met guitarist Freddie Cowan at a gig.[2] They quickly recruited bassist Árni Árnason and drummer Pete Robertson, drawing inspiration from garage rock and indie scenes. The band's breakthrough came with a viral YouTube video of their live performance of "If You Wanna" in late 2010, leading to a signing with Columbia Records.[1] Selected as BBC's Sound of 2011, they built hype through early shows and EPs. Their debut album, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?, was released on 11 March 2011, entering the UK Albums Chart at No. 4 and later certified platinum. Hits like "If You Wanna" and "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)" propelled them to festival slots and support tours for Arcade Fire and the Rolling Stones.[3]2012–2015: Come of Age and English Graffiti
The band's second album, Come of Age, was released on 3 September 2012 via Columbia, debuting at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart and featuring singles such as "No Hope" and "Bad Habits."[3] It showcased a more mature sound while retaining their energetic style, with extensive touring including headline shows and support for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In 2015, English Graffiti followed on 25 May, peaking at No. 2 in the UK and incorporating synth elements on tracks like "Hand Some" and "Dream Lover." The album's promotion included a UK tour and festival appearances, solidifying their status despite subtle creative evolutions.[3]2016–2020: Lineup changes and Combat Sports
In June 2016, drummer Pete Robertson announced his departure from the band after seven years, stating that he wanted to focus on other pursuits following an extensive period of touring that had left him exhausted.[6] To meet upcoming live commitments, including festival appearances at Reading and Leeds that summer, the band recruited Yoann Intonti, formerly of Spector, as a touring drummer; Intonti quickly integrated and was elevated to permanent status by 2017.[7] Keyboardist Timothy Lanham, who had been contributing as a touring member since earlier in the decade, also transitioned to an official role around the same time, adding multi-instrumental depth to the lineup.[2] The band entered a transitional phase creatively, writing over 80 songs before selecting material for their fourth album. Combat Sports was recorded in Sheffield with producer Ross Orton, whose no-nonsense approach helped strip back the sound to its raw, guitar-driven roots after initial sessions with another producer yielded unsatisfactory results.[8] Released on 30 March 2018 via Columbia Records, the album debuted at No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart and featured lead singles "I Can't Quit" and "Nightclub," both released in January 2018 to preview its energetic, concise song structures.[9] Tracks like "Your Love Is My Favourite Band" and "Surfing in the Sky" explore themes of romantic turmoil, impulsive decisions amid heartbreak, and tentative emotional recovery, reflecting the personal challenges faced by frontman Justin Hayward-Young during the band's internal shifts.[10] To promote Combat Sports, The Vaccines embarked on a headline UK tour in April 2018, closing with a sold-out performance at London's Alexandra Palace that drew over 10,000 fans and marked a triumphant return to form.[11] They followed with European dates throughout late 2018 and extended into a US run in early 2019, solidifying the album's reception while adapting to their refreshed lineup on stage.[12]2021–present: Back in Love City, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations, and anniversary activities
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Vaccines released their fifth studio album, Back in Love City, on 10 September 2021 through AWAL.[13] The record, primarily recorded at Sonic Ranch studios in El Paso, Texas, in 2019 with producer Daniel Ledinsky, was finalized before the onset of global lockdowns, though its themes of escapism resonated strongly during the restrictions.[14] Preceded by singles including "Headphones Baby" on 14 May 2021 and "Strangers" on 3 September 2021, the album debuted at No. 5 on the UK Albums Chart.[3] Amid ongoing pandemic limitations, the band marked the release with a series of intimate in-store performances and Music Venue Trust-supported shows across the UK in September 2021, emphasizing smaller-capacity events to comply with health guidelines.[15] In March 2023, founding guitarist Freddie Cowan announced his departure from the band for the foreseeable future, citing a desire for new challenges after over a decade together.[16] The Vaccines then returned with their sixth album, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations, recorded at producer Andrew Wells' home studio in Los Angeles across two sessions in 2023 and mixed by Dave Fridmann. The LP incorporated psychedelic influences, evident in tracks like the atmospheric "Sunkissed," while maintaining the band's signature indie rock energy.[5] Released on 12 January 2024 via Thirty Tigers and Super Easy, it featured lead singles "Heartbreak Kid" (20 September 2023) and "Discount De Kooning (Last One Standing)" (January 2024), debuting at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and underscoring the band's enduring commercial appeal.[17][18] Building on this momentum, The Vaccines announced a 2026 UK arena tour in August 2025 to celebrate the 15th anniversary of their debut album What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?, with setlists including full performances of the 2011 record alongside career-spanning hits.[19] The tour, kicking off in February 2026 at O2 Academy Glasgow and including stops in Manchester, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Bristol, and London, sold out several dates shortly after announcement.[20] Concurrently, the band has maintained an active international schedule in 2024 and 2025, with headline dates across Europe (including Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands), the US, and Asia, alongside festival appearances that highlight their post-pandemic resurgence.[21]Musical style and influences
Musical style
The Vaccines' musical style is rooted in indie rock with prominent garage punk influences, featuring fast tempos, straightforward chord progressions, and anthemic choruses that emphasize immediacy and catchiness. Their debut album exemplified this approach through raw, lo-fi energy, drawing on post-punk revival elements with buzzing, reverb-heavy guitars and clipped drum patterns that evoke a sense of urgency and DIY ethos. Songs like "If You Wanna" showcase bouncy rhythms and simple three-chord structures, creating hyperactive, power-chord-driven tracks that prioritize emotional directness over complexity.[22][23] Over time, the band's sound evolved from this gritty foundation toward more polished indie pop sensibilities, incorporating synthesizers, psychedelic textures, and expansive pop arrangements while retaining core rock drive. Later works introduced broader sonic palettes, blending garage rock's raw edge with pop hooks and occasional country-tinged elements, as seen in their shift to concept-driven albums that balance experimentation with familiar riff-based energy. This progression is evident in their instrumental hallmarks: dual guitars crafting a wall-of-sound density, propulsive basslines that anchor the rhythm, and punchy, precise drums that maintain high-octane momentum across releases.[24][11] Frontman Justin Hayward-Young's vocal style contributes significantly to the band's emotive punch, characterized by a high-pitched, yelping delivery that conveys raw urgency and playful frustration in themes of relationships and self-doubt. His warbling, sulky phrasing cuts through the mix, enhancing the anthemic quality of choruses while adding a layer of vulnerable intensity. Production techniques have played a key role in refining this sound, with frequent collaborations involving Rich Costey yielding polished yet gritty mixes that amplify the wall-of-noise guitars without sacrificing the raw punk spirit, as heard in extended plays and singles.[23][22][25]Influences and comparisons
The Vaccines' music draws heavily from punk and indie rock traditions, with the Ramones serving as a primary influence for their minimalist punk energy and short, punchy song structures, as highlighted in critiques of their debut album What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? (2011).[26] The Strokes' angular riffs and garage rock revival ethos also shaped the band's early sound, particularly in tracks like "Post Break-Up Sex," which echoes the New York band's raw, post-punk urgency. Additionally, the Jesus and Mary Chain's shoegaze noise and reverb-heavy guitars inform the atmospheric edges of songs such as "If You Wanna," contributing to the band's blend of melody and distortion.[27] Broader inspirations encompass 1960s garage rock and surf elements, with the Beach Boys cited by frontman Justin Young for their sonic depth and aspirational themes during the creation of the debut album.[28] From the 1970s punk scene, The Clash influenced the band's energetic, poppy rock evolution, evident in the dynamic shifts on Come of Age (2012).[28] More recent Americana roots, including Don McLean's storytelling in "American Pie," have guided later works like Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations (2024), underscoring Young's preference for heartfelt narratives over rigid genre constraints.[29] Critics have often compared The Vaccines to contemporaries like Franz Ferdinand for their danceable indie grooves and to early Arctic Monkeys for a shared youthful swagger in debut-era tracks.[30] The band has distanced itself from such revivalist labels, with Young emphasizing originality through evolving influences like Arthur Russell's innovative songwriting and Gorillaz' multi-layered production on English Graffiti (2015), prioritizing a unique identity over nostalgic mimicry.[28][29]Band members
Current members
- Justin Hayward-Young – lead vocals, guitar (2010–present)[4]
- Árni Árnason – bass, vocals (2010–present)[4]
- Timothy Lanham – guitars, keyboards, vocals (2016–present; touring member 2015–2016)[31][32]
- Yoann Intonti – drums (2016–present)[31]
Former members
Pete Robertson joined The Vaccines as drummer upon the band's formation in 2010 and remained until 2016.[6] His departure was announced in June 2016 as amicable, with Robertson stating he needed to "focus on other things" after seven years of intensive touring and recording.[33] Following his exit, Robertson shifted to music production, collaborating with artists including beabadoobee on her EPs Loveworm (2017) and Space Cadet (2018), as well as Nasty Cherry and others through his work with Dirty Hit label.[34] Freddie Cowan co-founded The Vaccines in 2010 as lead guitarist and contributed to all albums up to Back in Love City (2021), departing in March 2023 for the foreseeable future.[35] Cowan described the decision as difficult but necessary, expressing a desire for greater personal presence, appreciation, and enjoyment of life beyond the band's demands.[36] Post-departure, he launched the solo project Freddie and the Scenarios, releasing the debut album Answer Machine in March 2023, which drew inspiration from his experiences in Mexico City and explored themes of introspection and change.[37]Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Band forms with Justin Hayward-Young, Freddie Cowan, Árni Árnason, and Pete Robertson. |
| 2016 | Pete Robertson departs in June; Yoann Intonti joins on drums; Timothy Lanham transitions from touring to full member. |
| 2023 | Freddie Cowan departs in March. |
Discography
Studio albums
The Vaccines have released six studio albums, each marking distinct phases in their evolution as an indie rock band. Their debut, What Did You Expect from The Vaccines?, was released on 14 March 2011 by Columbia Records and produced by Dan Grech-Marguerat; it peaked at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart.[38][39] The follow-up, Come of Age, arrived on 3 September 2012, via Columbia Records, with production handled by Ethan Johns; it became their first number-one album in the UK.[40][41] English Graffiti, their third effort, was issued on 25 May 2015 by Columbia Records and produced by Dave Fridmann with co-production by Cole M. Greif-Neill, reaching number 2 on the UK chart.[42] In 2018, Combat Sports came out on 30 March through Columbia Records, produced by Ross Orton, and it peaked at number 4 in the UK.[43][44] The fifth album, Back in Love City, produced by Daniel Ledinsky with additional production by Fryars and released on 10 September 2021 by Super Easy Records (distributed by Thirty Tigers), achieved a UK peak of number 5.[45] Their latest release, Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations, produced by Andrew Wells, was put out on 12 January 2024 by Thirty Tigers and debuted at number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.[18][46][47]| Album | Release date | Label | Producer | UK peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? | 14 March 2011 | Columbia Records | Dan Grech-Marguerat | 4 |
| Come of Age | 3 September 2012 | Columbia Records | Ethan Johns | 1 |
| English Graffiti | 25 May 2015 | Columbia Records | Dave Fridmann, Cole M. Greif-Neill | 2 |
| Combat Sports | 30 March 2018 | Columbia Records | Ross Orton | 4 |
| Back in Love City | 10 September 2021 | Super Easy / Thirty Tigers | Daniel Ledinsky, Fryars | 5 |
| Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations | 12 January 2024 | Thirty Tigers | Andrew Wells | 3 |
Extended plays and singles
The Vaccines have released several extended plays and singles throughout their career. Notable releases include:Extended plays
- The Vaccines EP (2010, self-released)
- Planet of the Youth (2022, Super Easy / Thirty Tigers)[5]
Singles
Selected singles with UK chart peaks (as of November 2025):- "If You Wanna" (2011) – #5 UK[3]
- "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)" (2011) – #26 UK
- "No Hope" (2012) – #63 UK
- "20/20" (2015) – #121 UK
- "I Can't Quit" (2018) – #78 UK
- "Headphones Baby" (2021) – #80 UK
- "Sometimes, I Swear" (2023) – #92 UK[3]