When I first heard Lunar Vacation in 2022, they were a band I truly needed to hear. It was the tail end of COVID-19, and things were starting to look up, but isolation and hunkering down had become the new norm for me. Like any other music dork, music was what got me through such an unpredictable and somewhat bleak time, and Lunar Vacation quickly became a huge part of my soundtrack.
Lunar Vacation was the 2nd band I saw live without wearing a mask, which was a big deal. The music and live shows of Lunar Vacation became a huge part of my existence, and… Anyway, I’m rambling. Why am I here? Oh yeah. Lunar Vacation’s new album! Let’s get to that, shall we?
Lunar Vacation’s latest album, Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire, dropped in September of 2024, and it was, without a doubt, one of the year’s most anticipated releases. “Sick Again” kicks things off with a bouncy, bass-line-driven groove that reminded me of an up-tempo walk on a sunny summer afternoon. I can see myself listening to this one on a walk while bobbing my head and singing “Sick, sick, sick, sick,” not noticing the people around me looking at me like I’m insane.
“Tom” is a great song, and honestly, it reminds me of the Smashing Pumpkins if they weren’t so goddamn annoying to listen to. If Billy Corgan didn’t sing, this would be a perfect song for them. One of the reasons I love this one as well is because Lunar Vacation isn’t afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves. That being said, they don’t rob their influences and put a new name on it; they merely borrow from them and make it their own.
“Erase All the B’s” is an absolutely gorgeous piece of melancholic indie rock that sounds as much influenced by Mazzy Star as anyone. After a handful of bouncy, danceable numbers, it was perfect sequencing to have a song that felt like taking a breather and taking in the things around. I love that feeling because it’s an unexpected vibe change, but Lunar Vacation pulls this off by making it jarring or “out of nowhere.” Lead vocalist/guitarist Gep Repasky’s breathy, ethereal voice is like a warm blanket and either intentionally or unintentionally has a calming effect that I can only describe as musical Xanax.
“Better Luck” was the song that grabbed me the most on this album. Something about that song makes me feel optimistically nostalgic yet comfortably rooted in the now. “Happiness is coming, can’t you see? Happiness is coming, and it’s not with me.” Hands down one of the best “break up” lyrics ever. It had me reflecting on past “loves” and remembering that with each parting of ways, a song documented the moment. “Better Luck” is going to sadly (but very coolly) be that song for someone, and I honestly think it’s perfect.
Overall, Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire is a fantastic release and hands down the best thing Lunar Vacation has done to date. Lunar Vacation grows as performers, writers, and human beings with each release. Musically, the songs are organically beautiful and so natural, with lots of subtle ear candy. Lyrically, while the band’s first 2 EP releases showcase a youthful, fun, anthemic vibe, Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire is focused, thoughtful, and, dare I say, mature. The endless touring and life experiences that Lunar Vacation has had as just an early 20-something create a much more experienced and perfected sound.
With two EPs and their debut full-length Inside Every Fig Is A Dead Wasp, Lunar Vacation, up to this point, could do no wrong, so needless to say, my expectations were set extremely high for this release. Along with those expectations comes a bit of nervousness because nothing is worse than hearing a band you love to put out a disappointing album. Ethereal, melancholic, comforting, and warm are just a few words to describe Everything Matters, Everything’s Fire, so it’s evident that Lunar Vacation did not come close to disappointing me. If anything, they made me excited to be a fan of theirs and join them on what I feel will be a long, fun, and, at times, strange trip.
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