W & I: Ste Brodie

The O2 Academy Brixton became a temporal bridge this week, spanning the gap between 2011 indie-rock royalty and the shimmering synth-pop stars of 2026. The evening was a masterclass in evolution, proving that while nostalgia is a powerful force, the future of British guitar music is in very capable hands.

Brigitte Calls Me Baby started their night with a bombshell announcement that set the room alight. Lead singer Wes Leavins proudly held up the band’s second album, Irreversible, informing the crowd that it had officially been released that very night. Between songs, he urged the audience to head to the merch stand to grab a copy, a move that clearly paid off given the buzz rippling through the stalls.

The band’s sonic identity is a sophisticated blend of influences, opening with sweeping synthesiser textures reminiscent of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. Leavins’ vocal delivery sits in a haunting sweet spot between the melancholy of Robert Smith and the croon of Morrissey. The energy reached a breaking point when they launched into "Slumber Party," their first single of 2026, which saw the crowd erupt in a roar of recognition. This is, without question, a band to watch.

Following that stellar opening, The Vaccines took to the stage to kick off the first of two nights celebrating the 15th anniversary of What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?. They opened the set with "Blow It Up," and they proceeded to do exactly that. From the first note to the final encore, the atmosphere felt like 2011 all over again, captured in a bottle and uncorked for a sweaty, ecstatic Brixton crowd.

The fast-paced, jagged sounds of the electric guitar during "Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)" echoed through the venue, serving as a reminder of the raw power that made the band famous over a decade ago. It was a night to remember for everyone in attendance, and those lucky enough to be returning for the second night are surely in for another masterclass in indie-rock energy.