VACATIONS

VACATIONS is a US indie rock band from Chicago, Illinois. The group is active as a four-piece and is identified with indie rock in the available facts. The name also appears in connection with other acts, but this entry refers to the Chicago group.

Line-up

The band comprises Campbell Burns, Jake Johnson, Nate Delizzotti and Joseph Van Lier. Campbell Burns provides vocals, and the group is described through his tuneful delivery set against chorus-heavy guitars, bobbing bass and brushy jazz-rock drumming.

Sound and style

VACATIONS’ music is described in terms of indie rock, with elements of glistening psych-pop and a dreamy, breezy pop feel. The group uses familiar melodies and varied timbres, with a sound built around atmosphere as well as rhythm. Their songs are also associated with nostalgia, wistfulness and a playful DIY approach.

Releases and recording approach

The band releases music independently through Bobby’s own label, Record Label, rather than working through a conventional label route. Its debut release, I Was Bikini / But Rain Afraid, appears as a split-format project: the I Was Bikini seven-inch includes a download code for five songs, while But Rain Afraid contains eight additional songs. The full set of thirteen songs is also made available directly by the band on a pay-what-you-want basis.

Related acts and context

Vacations is also connected in the input to members from Chin Up Chin Up, who form another band of the same name after touring Europe. That version of Vacations is described as using ukulele, kalimba and karimba, and as moving away from a guitar-led format. Another separate project under the same name is identified as the solo work of Jacob Bruce from Fungi Girls.