8/10

Over the years, The Vaccines have gone from a catchy pop-rock group to a more serious outfit and back again. But while their previous album 'English Graffiti' may not have been the direction their fans were looking for, their fourth full-length sees them back on the form that started it all as they return to the simplicity of their formative years and deliver another batch of memorable riffs and singalong choruses.

From the start, 'Combat Sports' looks to be nothing more than basic indie-pop joy. The soaring vocals of frontman Justin Hayward-Young take centre stage as the band look to make each song as much of a pleasurable experience as possible. From the hummed hook of 'I Can't Quit' to the almost Franz Ferdinand-inspired 'Nightclub', this new record looks to rekindle that original magic the band were known for and give us the indie record of 2018 we all deserve.

It may have taken them a while to find their inspiration again, but now it is back the band have taken it to the nth degree. Most indie bands have usually consigned themselves to mediocrity by this point in their career, but The Vaccines have shown that a true knack for great songwriting never leaves you.