Vacations – Changes

Review

Vacations' 2018 release, "Changes," is a delightful expedition through the heart of indie rock, where the Australian band's "woozy guitar pop" signature blooms with each track. The album's sonic palette is a rich blend of indie pop, jangle, and lo-fi textures, painting a dreamy, melancholic soundscape that's as intricate as it is inviting. With guitars that weave through the songs like golden threads, the music of "Changes" envelops the listener in a cocoon of auditory bliss.

Lyrically, "Changes" is a deep dive into the soul's shifting tides. The album narrates stories of transformation and introspection, with tracks like "Moving Out" and "In Retrospect" serving as poignant bookends to a journey of self-discovery. These songs are confessional booths where tales of yearning for growth and grappling with life's transitions are shared over a backdrop of resonant chords. The album is a companion for those quiet moments of reflection, offering solace in its understanding whispers about the complexities of finding one's footing in a changing world.

Standout moments on "Changes" come thick and fast. "Anything Could Happen" greets listeners with an open heart, its lyrics tinged with the hopeful anticipation of new beginnings. "Telephones" casts a critical yet catchy eye on our modern tech-reliance, while "Steady" is a soothing balm for the weary, celebrating the anchors we find in each other. The fleeting "Honey" captures the wistful longing for redemption, and the introspective "In Retrospect" leaves us with a sense of closure and quiet triumph. Recorded and released independently, "Changes" exudes an authenticity that speaks to the band's indie spirit and resonates with a growing audience charmed by Vacations' sincere and melodic storytelling.

In essence, "Changes" is a testament to Vacations' ability to craft an album that feels like a heartfelt conversation with an old friend. It's a collection of songs that doesn't just play in the background; it lingers in the mind and stirs the heart. With its blend of reflective lyrics and a sound that's both familiar and fresh, "Changes" is a standout work that cements Vacations' place in the indie rock realm, inviting listeners to press play on their own stories of change and connection. - Jasmine