the groovement

By Robert Goldberg | August 10, 2024
📸: shot by by Jen Roman

You know that feeling you get when you’re a part of something that’s bigger than yourself? That warm energy drawn from a community coming together to celebrate something we can all agree just feels right? That’s exactly how we felt after hitting a Vacations live show. The six-piece indie surf group from Newcastle, Australia includes front man Campbell Burns (vocals and guitar), Jake Johnson (bass), Nate Delizzotti (lead guitar), and Joseph Van Lier (drums) bringing their own beachy version of a sad boy summer mood that electrifies young American crowds. Last Thursday at Brooklyn Steel was no different, as we were ready to embark on a ‘holiday’ journey catching Vacations on their summer tour to promote their new album, No Place Like Home.

Opening the night was another indie outfit, Lunar Vacation, radiating an ethereal blend of echoed melodies and laid back energy. It’s only fitting to describe this set as an alternative Brooklynite’s dream. Needless to say, they set the tone of the night as our escape with Vacations commenced with no introduction, no greeting, just pure, unadulterated breezy pop bliss. With long hair, mustaches, wife beaters, open button downs, and All Star sneakers, it was almost as if these guys came right off the streets of Brooklyn. They kicked off the set with a crowd favorite, “Next Exit”, an upbeat bop from their new album reminiscent of tunes from Two Door Cinema Club and Mac Demarco mixed with muted interludes making us feel like we were drifting in and out of consciousness. Funny enough, the stage set up was reminiscent of an old Motel 6 room, including a grandma recliner, mini-fridge, antique lamp, rotary phone, and a massive suitcase of clothing.

The Australian invasion continued with their song “No Place Like Home,” also from the new album, which emanated a crazy wall of sound almost like a modulated air conditioner. Other notable tracks included “Young,” which made us feel as though we were floating on a soundcloud with hypnotizing lyrics:

“You think it’s all over
Get up and try again
You’ve got to act your age, darling
Before you fall back in”

After the song, you could hear the crowd barking to the band as if they were a hoard of UGA fans calling the dogs. Campbell noted, “Sounds like you all have that dog in you.” While Nate commented, “It’s crazy, the same thing was happening at our last show at Webster Hall!” It was clear that Vacations fans came to rage.

Later in the show, a super serene melody, “Close Quarters,” created angelic vibrations that had us in a dazed lull perfect, swaying back and forth. Vacations’ set ended with the crowd jumping in unison to their jam layered original song “Midwest,” and after the band left the stage, fans shook Brooklyn Steel with cheers for an encore.

All of a sudden, a sole spotlight shined on the rotary phone on stage and it began to ring as the band came back out. Campbell nonchalantly answered saying, “Hello, New York? One More Song?” and then dove right into their encore while continuing to sing through the phone. From the scenic set design, engaging stage presence, and undeniably warm harmonies to one of the most boisterous and rowdy crowds we’ve ever heard, Vacations brought an experience to Brooklyn that we won’t forget.