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ALBUM REVIEW: "Vacation" by Seaway

   I don't know much about this band, so I wasn't really expecting anything in particular from Vacation, but what I got was an enjoyable pop-punk album loaded with a bunch of influences from 90's alt-rock, from Third Eye Blind to Weezer. Basically it's a fun, chorus-laden sing-along of an album injected with some healthy nostalgia factor. The songwriting is the album's greatest strength here; the majority of the tracks are sharp and catchy with interesting guitar parts and great choruses, if sometimes formulaic. The album sounds good, particularly in the guitar department, but the drums lack a bit of punch and seem to sit a little too far back in the mix for my liking. The only other problem I have is how "pop" the vocals sound - this is normally where pop-punk bands tip a little too far towards the pop end of the spectrum for my liking, and Vacation suffers a similar ailment. Having said that, there's a lot of fun to be had on this album. Get learning those choruses for a summer drive.

   Favourite Tracks: Apartment, Misery In You and 40 Over

    Least Favourite Track: Lula On The Beach

   Rating: B

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