A Radiofed Album Review by Megan McClean

Vivoscene rating 7.8

Free and easy indie pop is what you’ll find on Vacationer’s debut album, Gone.

Dreamy guitars, romantic chiming and solaced vocals infuse most of the songs. Yet scattered in between are unexpected upbeat tunes, filled with strong percussion, reviving melodies and impelling soundscapes. This is the thrilling yet hazy soundtrack you’d want playing in the background when traveling across new lands.

This sunshine pop group begins the album with arguably, their strongest track. “Everyone Knows” is filled with compelling enthusiasm. An old school hip-hop beat carries the song, adding a little funk to the generally mellow debut, and jolly harmonies, sweet-sounding keyboards and reverb guitars are layered on top. “Trip” adopts a similar style. Kicked off with an flute-like sound you associate with the beginning of old school movies, Wizard of Oz sprang to mind, this track creates a tropical feel and merges it with a steady back beat.

It can’t be ignored: there’s a whole lotta love on this album. Most of the lyrical content pertains to a deep affection for romance, and each tap of the chimes and warm, adoring harmony embellishes the relaxed atmosphere. The title track is a drowsy ballad, backed by some echoey clapping but surprisingly overwhelmed by entrancingly soft and smooth vocals.

“Be With You” fuses a delightful array of instruments, flattered by dreamy words withdrawing the stresses of life and urging you to daydream as you hear “what i’d give just to be with you, all night.”

This is a beach-inspired, lusting debut, filled with mellow tracks but bearing a couple standouts. It’s not an immediately compelling work but it’s an easy listen embracing a fair amount of indie enchantment balanced with mainstream appeal. It is one to grow on you, the sort of album you crave from time to time, when you need a vehicle to take your thoughts away and daydream.

Watch: “Be With You”

You can stream the entire Vacationer album Gone here: