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- March 8, 2023
New In: Vacant Weekend Releases Debut EP, “Marlboro Reds”
On Feb. 10 the rising indie band, Vacant Weekend, released their debut extended play (EP), Marlboro Reds via Cosmic Glue. Along with this release came an announcement of their upcoming debut festival performance.
The band formed in 2019 in Cumbria, England after connecting over three things. The first commonality is the fact that during their academic careers they found themselves as outsiders. As they bonded together over that, they also connected over their passion for music and even more important their eagerness to create without fear. Hence Vacant Weekend formed.
Marlboro Reds may only have four tracks; however, the EP is packed with great hits. Since the release of their single and second track of the EP, “Cool New Friends” in Sept. 2022, Vacant Weekend has received praise and support from many musical platforms. To name a few, BBC Radio 6 Music, TIDAL, Apple Music, and Most Radacalist.
“In a way reminiscent of The Kooks, they’ve blended 70s funk influences with a deep understanding of what made mid-2000s indie bands so memorable: massive choruses and groovy verses.”
Most Radacalist
So let’s hop right into Marlboro Reds and its hits.
The EP kicks off with the titled track, “Marlboro Reds,” released on Jan. 27, only two weeks prior to the release of this album. Being the first track of the EP, Vacant Weekend sets the tone for listeners giving them the scoop on what they are in for. “Marlboro Reds” is a beautiful balance between funk influenced instrumentals and groovy vocals. This balance encourages listeners to engage with the track automatically.
“To us, ‘Marlboro Reds’ is a really fun and colourful single. The groove and hook are enough to almost make you overlook the self-pitying sentiment of the entire song.”
Vacant Weekend
Up next is “Cool New Friends.” Released as a single in 2022, this track opens up with a groovy bassline that is sure to keep heads nodding as they listen on. Despite the upbeat tempo, the lyrics expose the truth of broken friendships caused by selfishness. “Cool New Friends” is a track that can connect to many.
“Sammy Down” is next on the queue. This track starts off with steady and quiet beats and vocals however as the song starts to progress both get louder and stronger. This track is seemingly about making your own path and not worrying about the past. While this is the shortest song on Marlboro Reds, the instrumentals draw listeners in.
Originally released in June 2017, the track “All Over” concludes the EP. In Vacant Weekend fashion, this track opens with a steady beat. This track is about still having deep feelings after a relationship ending. The instrumentals in this track really highlight the talent of the band outside of vocals.
Along with the release of their EP, Vacant Weekend also announced that they will be joining the lineup for Kendal Calling Festival coming up in July 2023. For more information on tickets click here.
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