Vacations - Forever In Bloom (2020)

Two years after the release of their debut album, Newcastle indie pop
quartet Vacations are back with their second, Forever In Bloom. The
record marks the band's first time working with a producer, with Holy
Holy's Oscar Dawson (who’s produced for numerous Aussie acts including
Ali Barter, Alex Lahey and Bec Sandridge), helping to refine and craft
their light, sun-drenched sound.

Layers of shimmering synths crescendo over ambient bird sounds on
instrumental opener Floraison, setting the tone for the dream pop and
shoegaze inspired tracks to follow. A punchy bass line cuts through
guitar jangle on Panache, which features Sarah Sykes of Sydney outfit
Sunscreen as well as fellow Newcastle locals Craterface and teddie
(saxophone). Lavender is both dreamy and powerful, with bright synths
and airy, floating guitars grounded by tight, punchy drums, providing
danceable, bouncing grooves – a combination they never stray far from.
Vacations do soaring choruses very well, with vocalist/guitarist
Campbell Burns often slipping into falsetto to deliver memorable,
reverb-soaked hooks, as evidenced on Ego and Something Here.