The Vaccines

The Profile

The Vaccines are an English indie rock band formed in London in 2010. The classic lineup featured Justin Young, Freddie Cowan, Árni Árnason and Pete Robertson; later Yoann Intonti (drums) and Timothy Lanham (keyboards) joined. Known for brisk, hook-packed songs and albums from their 2011 debut through English Graffiti and Combat Sports.

English indie rock band from London, formed in 2010; core members include Justin Young (vocals, guitar), Freddie Cowan (guitar), Árni Árnason (bass). Original drummer Pete Robertson departed; Yoann Intonti and Timothy Lanham later joined. Albums include What Did You Expect from The Vaccines? (2011), Come Of Age (2012), English Graffiti (2015), Combat Sports (2018), Back In Love City (2021) and Pick-Up Full Of Pink Carnations (2024).

DeBaser’s take on The Vaccines runs from the hyped, hooky debut to the mixed, maturing Come Of Age and a swaggering return with Combat Sports. Reviewers hear Ramones, Arctic Monkeys and Strokes echoes, praise the immediacy, and flag some filler and derivation on album two. Combat Sports is framed as a back-to-basics triumph. Line-up shifts (Robertson out, Intonti and Lanham in) and Ross Orton’s production get nods.