Easy lyrics, great vibes

Maritime EP
Beach Vacation
7out-of-10

The sounds of summer ... depending who you are, that could either mean the new Minaj single, an Eric Church record, or something more along the lines of Beach Vacation. This fresh faced foursome mingle dream pop swoon with catchy indie rock.

Their four song EP, Maritime, is a chill, surf rock infused effort. Mixing acoustic guitars into the sound gives this record a very "on the beach" vibe, which I really dig. The addition of a sound bite of waves and seagulls at the beginning of the record really set the stage.

The elements of the record are very large. The instruments are soaked in juicy reverb and given an ample amount of room to expand. The rhythms are tight and snappy, and the overlying guitar lead is constantly spinning melodies that will undoubtedly get caught in your sunburned head.

The lyrics are fun and juvenile, avoiding heavy topics and sticking mainly to summer themed love.

I look forward to a longer album from these guys. Although the record lacks some originality, that won't stop me from sticking it onto my summer playlist. If you feel like doing the same, it can be had for $4 at beachvacation.bandcamp.com

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU

Trouble Will Find Me
The National
9-out-of-10

Brooklyn, NY heavy hitters, The National, have recently released their sixth full length studio album. Their melancholic brand of hyper-realistic and beautifully mundane indie rock has remained unchanged with this release, and singer, Matt Berninger continues to sing thick, heavy lyrics that are, at times, difficult to wade through.

Often compared to Wilco, Nick Cave, Leonard Cohen, and Joy Division, The National presents an atmosphere that is anything but chipper. Trouble Will Find Me is a perfect continuation of the music that gained the band their contemporary success. Minor chords juxtaposed with snappy beats and rich melodies lay foundation for Berninger's gentle baritone voice. The thing that really makes The National, and this album, stand apart is Berninger's style of writing. Focusing on shadowy love and self destruction, he sets the words in vague statements and often with scenes that seem extremely familiar and mundane. Surrounded by morose chording and beautifully composed melodies, his words are personal and bring the listener to moments of clarity. The National brings real life events, emotions, and situations to the forefront.

Songs like "Demons", "Heavenfaced", and "I Need My Girl" are sure to shake some barriers and make Trouble Will Find Me an album to find, listen to, and enjoy.

-SEAN CRAIB-PETKAU