We already knew The Frigidaires have what it takes to Play It Cool, but now they prove they can also single-handedly summon the sun no matter the time of year. The Atlanta, Georgia-based combo takes us on a Hot Vacation to fourteen original destinations where uplifting guitars, straightforward drums, and lush harmonies collide with unexpected detours. This time around, they also travel with strings, horns, steel guitar, baritone, and layered percussion, adding cinematic depth to their summery sound.

The new album is largely instrumental, but the three vocal songs—the catchy, Beach Boys-indebted title track, the beautiful ballad Why Do You Run?, and the breezy blow You Read My Mind—provide extra warmth. This journey through surf pop, spaghetti western, exotica, doo-wop, and cumbia makes escapism sound essential.

Hot Vacation—produced, recorded, and mixed by Chad Shivers—is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP, via Colorado Instrumental Fanzine. Featuring Nick Bazemore (guitars, vocals), Brad Mattocks (guitars, vocals), Chad Shivers (guitars, vocals), Matt Steadman (bass), and Sean Zearfoss (drums), with Eric “The Talent” Balint (vibraphone, bells, percussion), Herbie Dorfzaun (tenor sax), Patrick Hydo (horn), Kane Manakoora (steel guitar), Stephen Musker (trumpet), and Charles Page (violin) on select tracks. The amazing cover art is by Scott Sugiuchi.

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