Project Description

VACATIONS
‘Forever In Bloom’
(Album Review)
September 15th, 2020

Reviewer: Jess Moog

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Well it’s no secret we’re living in some trying times, guys and gals. But while most people have put their vacations on hold, VACATIONS the band have been busier than ever creating their widely-anticipated second album, Forever In Bloom.

The Newy-based boys have been on the Australian music radar for a while, originally breaking through with their 2016 EP Vibes, and eventually following with awesome debut album Changes. Their latest instalment is just as impressive, showcasing the group’s metamorphose from a twangy, Mac Demarco-esque nymph into a giant, dreamy dragonfly. Produced by Holy Holy guitarist, Oscar Dawson, and featuring some wonderful cover art by graphic artist, Hannah Dunn, this collection of special tunes will no doubt fulfil all your fuzzy, indie fantasies.

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There are seriously so many things y’all have to look forward to with this album, but one of the standout attractions is just how fricken relatable it is. The band takes you on a tumultuous trip through an ethereal land made up of rainbows and ponies, and a whole load of real-world problems. Relationships shift, breakdowns are inevitable, yet somehow you come out the other end with a better perspective and a bigger smile.

The opening track, ‘Floraison’, really sets the tone for this underlying theme by instantly transporting you to a glittery garden of buttery synth sounds. Kind of makes me feel like I’m sitting in the helicopter next to Dr Grant in Jurassic Park when they see the island for the first time. The only difference is that instead of finding dinosaurs, you actually find… yourself?

The intro is quickly followed by ‘Seasons’, one of my personal favourites from this record. I get really prominent Two Door Cinema Club vibes from this track, and I am definitely here for it. The funky bass line, Campbell Burns’ gorgeous vocals, and the rapid hi-hats are all driving factors in this bad boy, as well as the entrance of some sneaky sax towards the end of the song. Can definitely say this particular piece will be living permanently in my Apple Music library post-release date.

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Tracks such as ‘Lavender’ and ‘Ego’ possess a similar kind of energy, with all the soft guitar tones mixing so well with Campbell’s continuously cracker melodies. The song ‘Actors’ plays deeply into that over-arching theme of working through a time of maturity, with the lyrics directly representing the band’s time spent touring overseas. It also somewhat hints at that initial uncomfortable feeling you get when going through a phase of change, explaining how it can sometimes be so hard to wrap your brain around new circumstances that it almost seems fake. 

Similarly, the tune ‘Avalanche’ depicts that exact moment when everything just becomes way too overwhelming. Mental slumps are part of the changing process, so you’ve just gotta roll with it and hope you make it out the other end in one piece. Besides preaching some super relevant sentiments, this track also features yet another sexy bass line, making it somehow possible for you to simultaneously tap into the deeper trails of your inner self, while also movin’ and shakin’ your outer self! Magic!

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The band’s continuous use of modern pop and rock elements in this album transports them straight into that glorious alt-indie category alongside other great artists like Phoenix and Ra Ra Riot. This classification is definitely taken to a whole new level though with much-loved single, ‘Panache’. Featuring the voices of Sarah Sykes and Craterface, this one really brings out VACATIONS’ tasteful blend of genres. The band combines contemporary instruments and auto-tune with an 80s-inspired edge, making it a total shoe-in for crowd favourite. I really love how many interesting nooks and crannies there are in this song, with that insanely groovy bridge about three quarters in truly rocking me to my callous core.

My closing statement would be that, Forever in Bloom is not only a wicked depiction of the band’s overall transformation through personal growth and musical maturity, it is also an incredibly impressive compilation of noise that deserves not one, not two, but unlimited listens. My crazy psychic intuition is telling me that VACATIONS are about to have a very fascinating year, so get pumped for Friday guys.

You won’t effing regret it.

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Check out VACATIONS:
Website – Facebook – Instagram

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Interview with
JOEY
from
VACATIONS

Interviewer – Georgia Griffiths

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Check out the interview – HERE

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AMNPLIFY – DB