EP Review: Vacation

Tamaki Makaurau’s Foley are at the heart of New Zealand indie pop. The duo consistently release polished and infectious music that’s lovable from the first listen. Showing no signs of slowing down, Foley are active with live shows, radio interviews and music videos packed into a hectic schedule. Having had the pleasure of seeing Foley live before, I can assure you don’t want to miss the opportunity to see them live.

Their new EP is captivating from the moment it starts. The title track Vacation starts with a funky bass and laid back groove before Ash Wallace’s precise vocals muse about fazing out in conversation. As always, the lyrics are endearing and personal. Like any great pop track, Vacation hits its chorus before the one minute mark, wasting no time in the process.

Anything Before You keeps the EP coherent with another funky bass line leading into a beautiful soprano delivery of the pre-chorus. It’s the perfect mid-tempo bop. Better Than Love slows down more a more introspective moment. Foley explores overthinking and a downward spiral through the medium of epic harmony and clean production.

Rendezvous gets straight back into it, while So Personal takes on a more nostalgic soundscape. The rhythms in the guitar and relaxed vocals make the track feel like it just walked off an album of 90’s bangers. Foley are a band worth getting on board with before the rest of the world discovers them and they blow up. It’s only a matter of time.