Vacations
- vinylrecital
- Jul 8, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 17, 2024
This week's artist highlight features the dreamy indie pop charm of Newcastle’s own Vacations. With their lush, reverb-drenched melodies and nostalgic lyrics, this four-piece band captures the essence of youthful freedom and introspection. Read below for all things Vacations.
Imagine this: you’re driving down a coastal road, windows down, and the salty sea breeze is mixing with the sun-soaked melodies pouring out of your speakers. The band that's providing the perfect soundtrack to this moment? It’s Vacations. This four-piece band from Newcastle, Australia, has a way of making every moment feel like a scene from a coming-of-age movie.
Vacations consists of Campbell Burns on vocals and guitar, Jake Johnson on guitar, Nate Delizzotti on bass, and Joseph Van Lier on drums. Together, they create a sound that blends dreamy guitars with soothing vocals, capturing the essence of carefree youth and wistful nostalgia.
Following in the footsteps of Newcastle's musical predecessors and global successors Silverchair, they are arguably among the city's most significant exports since Daniel Johns and his band. Despite amassing nearly 10 million monthly listeners and tracks with up to 600 million streams, along with appearances on American late-night shows, this humble four-piece band from Newcastle still feels somewhat overlooked domestically and deserves your recognition.
The first time I discovered Vacations was during high school, a time when days stretched on endlessly and weekends felt like they could last a lifetime. It was an era before life grew busy and urgency took over—a blissful youth viewed through a saturated, sepia-toned lens. Vacations captured this essence perfectly, making them a match made in heaven for me. Experiencing their music then was a seamless blend, and even now as an adult, listening to them evokes those cherished memories of a time when you could truly "Relax."
My introduction to Vacations was through their sophomore EP, 'Vibes', following their debut EP 'Days' in 2015. 'Vibes' was brimming with nostalgia and sonic richness, leaving you with the same satisfaction as an afternoon nap on the couch. It quickly became a classic in the indie scene, with jangly melodies reminiscent of Mac DeMarco and Real Estate, accompanied by the droning vocals akin to Morrissey and The Cure.
Then came their album 'Changes', and with it, a deeper connection. Songs like “Moving Out” and “Telephones” spoke to the bittersweet feeling of growing up and moving on. It was as if Vacations had found a way to bottle those fleeting moments of transition and turn them into something beautiful and lasting. Listening to this album felt like meandering the night-lit streets of Edinburgh and it's surrounds.
'Forever in Bloom' elevated this connection to a new level. With tracks like “Actors” and “Avalanche,” Vacations invited me into a realm of expansive soundscapes and introspective lyrics. It's an album brimming with energy, evoking the excitement of the last day of school before summer holidays begin—imagine your friend's pool on a scorching 35-degree day, stocked with Chicken Crimpy's and a box of Cornetto's.
This brings us finally to Vacations' 2024 album, released at the start of the year and standing out as one of the musical highlights of the year. 'No Place Like Home' delves into familiar imagery with a newfound maturity, reflecting their recent U.S. and Europe tours. Tracks like "Midwest" and "Next Exit" encapsulate the album's essence, blending elements from previous albums into a standout showcase of Vacations' best qualities.
But it’s not just their recorded music that has left an impression. Seeing Vacations live is an experience that’s hard to put into words. Their energy on stage is infectious, turning any venue into a haven of good vibes and unforgettable moments. The way they connect with the audience, making each person feel like a part of something special, is truly magical.
Vacations' music is a delightful escape from the mundane. It’s like a perfect vacation – a break from reality, filled with moments of joy, introspection, and pure bliss. Their sound draws from the best parts of surf rock, new wave, and indie pop, creating something that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing Vacations live at the Corner Hotel in Richmond, Melbourne. It was a long-awaited experience since discovering them in high school over seven years ago. Unlike some bands that feel distant on stage, Vacations were refreshingly genuine and engaging. Their live renditions brought back memories of youth and simpler times, making the evening feel both nostalgic and exhilarating.
Vacations isn’t just a band; they’re a soundtrack for life’s moments – from carefree vacations to reflective moments in sepia-toned nostalgia. Their ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with dreamy melodies creates a musical journey that’s both timeless and deeply personal.
If you’re looking for music that transports you to sunlit shores or late-night drives under starry skies, look no further than Vacations. Let their melodies be the soundtrack to your own escape into moments of joy, contemplation, and everything in between.
Top 5 Tracks:
'Honey'
'Actors'
'Home'
'Telephones'
'Next Exit'
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