Vacationer

As summer is winding down for me, I'm wringing the last drops of sun and freedom. Vacationer caught my attention simply because their name seemed appropriate. Their new album Relief also seemed to fit the bill for my state of mind, and boy does this Philly band deliver. Filled with laid back grooves and easy melodies, Vacationer sure do know how to put the listener in a specific state of mind. 

The best of the bunch come in a duo of songs that have, rightly so, been released as singles-"The Wild Life" and "Paradise Waiting," with the latter being a musical representation of an actual paradise. A slow saloon piano groove plays throughout and even comes complete with the warming sounds that only a turntable playing a well worn record can create. Lead singer Kenny Vasoli paints an image of a paradise not only in the literal sense but what mood is created when you're anywhere with that special person. ("When you look in my eyes you'll find the pleasure is mine, there's a paradise waiting for us in summertime.")

Vacationer create feel good summery music that should be played while enjoying the last drops of summer. 



Paradise Waiting-

Max and the Moon

When you have a song called "Out of My Head," before you even press play there's an underlying feeling that it will stick with you all day. Max and the Moon have done just that. Blending vocal harmonies, danceable beats, and a backwards playing hook a la Missy Elliot, Max and the Moon have crafted pop/rock perfection. Much in the same vein as Foster the People, MATM lean a little more the folky side on other tracks off their new EP The Way I See. 

Lead by John Velasquez, this four piece from Southern California soak in the their Southern Cali roots on the Beach Boys-esque "Light House," filling the track with harmonies around every turn. Max and the Moon are a stealthy type. Their songs will find a place in your day when you least expect it, which could good or bad depending on how you look at. With songs this well crafted, it's definitely a good thing. 

Max and the Moon-Facebook

Out of My Head-

 

McFly

With a name like McFly, I had my reservations. I mean who can be taken seriously with band named that. But maybe that is why judging a book by its cover isn't always recommended. So in the same way, you should not judge a band by its name.

Once again McFly comes from the great music land known as the UK. Listening to their sound though, you would think that they have been studying The Beach Boys. McFly are as catchy as they come. They deal with layered melodies, background vocals, bouncy rhythms, and all around great music. They may not have the "cool" factor as Radiohead, but who cares when you can listen to music this good.

Their album Radio:ACTIVE has two of the best songs I've heard in a while. Do Ya has a bouncy, sunny melody that could be on any Beach Boys album. Lies deals with darker themes but still holds on with a great hook. With crunchy guitars and a building chorus, this is one of their best. While some may dismiss them as just another pop group with guitars, I think someone needs to redefine "pop."

McFly- Myspace
Lies-