Release Date: September 26, 2025
Label: Sky Lantern Music (BMI)
The fourteen tracks on this long player bring you all the twists
and turns and transitions a band can come up with in each track. And for a bit of spice
and variety, they offer three vocal tracks.
This album is available for download, CD, and a 12” vinyl
version, Limited edition of 500 in the following variants:
100 Summer Heat (red)
100 Summer Sun (yellow, this version)
300 Summer Night (black)
This is an excellent album that not only embodies retro sounds
but also has the power to transport you to different settings. The high-energy
guitars, bass, and drums create vivid imagery, whether it’s the pounding surf
at high tide or the relaxed atmosphere of a beach veranda. These atmospheres
are expertly crafted by this band from Atlanta, making you feel as though you’re
right there.
Most appropriately, they lead off with the title track “Hot Vacation.” Driving
rock-pop with the essence of the Beach Boys’ harmonies and melodies reaches out
to you. Starting with a vocal track, I found it an interesting choice, as they primarily focus on their colorful instrumentals. There is a surfy picking
interlude tucked in there for a teaser, and it closes out with some Davie
Allan-like fuzz. Essentially, what you get are bits and pieces of what they are
in the lead-off track. What you find going forward, you will Love.
“The Beast” jumps right into surf instro with impact, followed
by some trumpet to give it that “at the bullfight” feel, reminiscent of Herb
Alpert. Then, a transition into some twang and reverb with a Latino twist. The
bass and drums are exceptional, as the mysterious and intriguing atmosphere
draws you in. It’s a fine day to bring your surfboard to the bullfight!
“Weary Travelers,” indeed, after trying to surf at a bullfight.
The tempo is dialed back a few notches to evoke a warm, beachy atmosphere. The
guitar paints the picture nicely. Smooth transitions with tempo changes are all
well done. You can almost feel the sun and warm breeze.
“Cliff Divers” are legendary in remote beach areas. The track
also reaches back to the retro first-wave sound, featuring a good melody and
strong band interplay, with tastefully executed crashing cymbals, as the guitar
has a clear pathway to take the lead and dive in.
“Pipe Dreams” continues with a retro sound, featuring a solid
rhythm section, as the guitar creates its beauty with resonating strings. Those
strings sing their song as you look back in time when all this started.
“Why Do You Run?” is the second vocal track. The tempo is like a
waltz, a dance for lovers. The sounds reminded me of songs you would hear in
the 50s, like on Ozzie and Harriet and Rickey doing one of his hits. Simple
times are portrayed in a song. It doesn’t get any more real than that. This is
the longest track at 4:29.
“Beachcomber’s Gold” is a sound coming from the Tiki Lodge on
the beach. As you sip your cold drink in a coconut, you know, the one with the
little umbrella in it? You can picture it as you sit under the palm tree, away
from the heat of the sun. The surf guitar lines and the beat create a
distinctive sound reminiscent of a visit to the surf lounge.
“La Calle” returns to surf rock and melodicism of the
utmost excellence. The rhythm guitar lays down a steady riff as the lead
glides over the top with definition, like the perfect wave every surfer looks
for. Some of the best guitar playing is showcased in this track, which is
filled with hooks and consistent tempos.
“Mavericks” begins with rapid picking, then transitions quickly
to a more melodic style, before returning to a glissando style. Back and forth
it goes, like a tide coming in and going out. Excellent rhythm guitar is key
here, and the lead riffing cuts loose with straight-ahead surf instro magic.
“Roger, Roger” was my favorite track. The drums lay down the
beat as the resonating guitar line instantly made me think of The Shadows. The
galloping licks are a highlight. Clear, crisp, and wonderful percussion is
executed once again, with their sound emulating a horse trotting. A brief organ
passage closes it out.
“Canyon’s Call” is tremolo perfected at the outset. It sounds
like a western theme is developing here, kind of like the old Clint Eastwood
spaghetti westerns. Drums are excellent when paired with the bass, and some
fine guitar work, along with a climactic ending, make this a picturesque
journey.
“You Read My Mind” is their last vocal arrangement. And it
is such a big step away from the previous track. Like someone walked up to the
jukebox and kicked it, put their quarter in, and chose their songs to change
the mood. You are reminded of this band’s diversity and overall talent.
“Arrows Out” is their tribute to Davie Allan and The Arrows. And
man, do they do it right. The distorted guitar is yet one more huge step away
from their core sound. The drums are nice and loud, and the pace is evenly
paced, as the bass holds a steady line.
Surf music is all about the imagery it can create in your mind’s eye. To do it without words is more difficult, however, I believe it’s more effective. The Frigidaires accomplish that with conviction on Hot Summer.
Keith
“MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Surf Music and Art Reviews Founder
July 25,
2025
Tracks:
01. Hot Vacation
02. The Beast
03. Weary Travelers
04. Cliff Divers
05. Pipe Dreams
06. Why Do You Run?
07. Beachcomber’s Gold
08. La Calle
09. Mavericks
10. Roger, Roger
11. Canyon’s Call
12. You Read My Mind
13. Arrows Out
14. He Who Greets With Fire
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