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The Student News Site of McLean High School

The Highlander

The Student News Site of McLean High School

The Highlander

Basic Vacation’s EP is one to be remembered

Basic+Vacation+released+their+first+EP+on+October+15th+of+2013
Basic Vacation released their first EP on October 15th of 2013

 I cannot think of anything more gratifying than having my mind melodically and lyrically enraptured by a newly found band. Music is literally a treasure cove when the good stuff’s dug up, which is why when I had my first listen to Basic Vacation’s self-titled EP release, I had instantly fallen head over heels.  For those unfamiliar with the music term EP, it stands for extended play; this refers to a recording too short to qualify as a full album and yet contains too many songs to be considered a single.

Band's members include vocalist-guitarist Chris Greatti, bassist Jon Paul, and drummer Mike Montalbano.
Basic Vacation’s members include vocalist-guitarist Chris Greatti, bassist Jon Paul and drummer Mike Montalbano.

Basic Vacation released their first EP on Oct. 15, 2013. The band is compromised of three members: vocalist and guitarist Chris Greatti, bassist Jon Paul and drummer Mike Montalbano.  Their EP opens with “I Believe,” and I have to admit that if it weren’t for the fact that I was sitting within a public facility with my head phones plugged in, I would probably have gotten up and danced as if I were in my room with the lights out.  This song’s hearty and invigorating hymn intermixed with Chris’s soothing voice allowed me to envision a better place. I was quickly put into a good mood.

When the next song came on, “Jamie,” it seemed like a good transition as it went from chirpy to slightly dark and broody in an instant. Least favorite of all tracks has got to be “It’s All Happening,” as the tunes and choruses sounded repetitive and the lyrics just not as stimulating. The issue I encountered with this song also goes for “I Believe”–I could not help but think of the resulting consequence of having these songs overplayed on national radio. As addicting as they were, there was no denying that they would both quickly grow into exaggerated tunes that would quickly turn past satisfaction into remorse.  If it weren’t for my genuine curiosity for the band in the first place I probably would have switched the music off.  But like many things Basic Vacation has to be listened to in doses. If not done moderately you’re very likely to grow sick of its previous effects.

To end on a good note, I’d like to express my absolute adoration for the two last songs. “You’re In My Head” had me yearning for a live concert as I envisioning myself jumping up and down with my hands drawn out into the air chanting along. Finally, “Worlds Collide” couldn’t have been a better track to close with. The tempo slowly faded leaving me ironically both sad and contempt as I found myself wanting more of Basic VacationFor a band who just started out I cannot wait to hear more from them and to especially see how far they’ll manage to experiment. 

Basic Vacation EP Sampler:   

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