REVIEW: Vacations @ Union Transfer

Sep 11, 2024Sep 11, 2024 Ava Mosby 0 Comments indie-pop, live music, No Place Like Home Tour, photos, setlist, Union Transfer, vacations

PHOTOS BY: Ava Mosby

WRITTEN BY: Ava Mosby

Vacations landed on American soil for their 2nd headlining tour through the US, No Place Like Home tour. The Australian indie rock boy band returns to Union Transfer to show fans there truly is no place like home.

On July 28th, Vacations brought their warm summer day energy to Philadelphia. The show started with the first released single from the album Next Exit, an up-beat, melodic rock song. Main vocalist, Campbell Burns, incorporates themes of letting go and trusting oneself on this track.

The band is quite interactive with the crowd, conversing about the Eagles, Phillies, cheesesteaks, and the occasional dog chant. The band’s tour manager Steven is from Philadelphia and accustomed the band to all things Philly. Fans were dressed in merchandise from previous tours such as the bands first USA tour, Tourzilla with Last Dinosaurs, and No Place Like Home.

The stage design made the crowd feel right at home with a large area rug, a chair, a lamp, and a telephone, creating a more intimate environment. While the stage itself was small, Vacations know how to make due with what they have. Bassist Jake Johnson and Lead Guitarist Nate Delizzotti find themselves tangled with each other during Lavender, a high energy song on the setlist. Not to mention, Drummer Joey Van Lier never fails to have a smile on his face. During Lavender, the band brought back out Alex Lahey to support on guitar.

Openers Alex Lahey and Lunar Vacation were the perfect mood setters. Their relationships with Vacations made the show and night much more welcoming. There were multiple interactions between the band members during the show and their banter felt like a casual conversation.

“Actors” was a major highlight of the night. The band encouraged the crowd to jump around and be free, and that is exactly what happened. Like many other songs in the band’s discography, the songs are fun, energetic, and up-beat.

Telephones was another notable part of the set. Telephones is originally on the band’s debut album, Changes. Lead vocalist, Campbell, uniquely used the telephone that was apart of the stage design as a microphone. This was a memorable way to *almost* end the encore. The band closed out the set with Relax off of their debut EP, Vibes. Both Telephones and Relax spiked in numbers due to their popularity on TikTok.

Photographer Ava Mosby got the chance before the show to meet band members Campbell Burns(Vocalist and Guitarist) and Joey Van Lier (Drummer). Safe to say their energy is felt in person just as it is through their music. They were very kind and even accepted well deserved flowers!

Whether you are a seasoned fan or just now diving into the world of Vacations, you are sure to be welcomed with open arms at any Vacations show.

Vacations wrapped up their No Place Like Home tour in Mexico City, August 17th, 2024. Keep up with the band on instagram and see what is to come from them next!