The Frigidaires - Hot Vacation (2025)

Call your agent, pack your bags, and slip on your Huarache sandals--it's time for a Hot Vacation with The Frigidaires. After joining the Atlanta-based five-piece in the chilly climes of Play it Cool, we're headed for an escape to warmer weather.

On a trip that lasts just under 40 minutes, Hot Vacation reaches 14 new, exotic destinations perfectly suited for an adventure. The aptly named "Hot Vacation" opens the journey with a quick departure. Here, a fuzz guitar and pounding, crashing drums give way to tight, three-part harmonies and a lead vocal that sets the tone for the trip: fun, relaxation, adventure, no distractions. This time out, the vocals are in from the jump.

On Hot Vacation, though the band used the same tools as with Play It Cool—three guitars and a solid rhythm section—they also packed strings, horns, steel guitar, baritone, and loads of percussion. These additions shine on spaghetti western-inflected tunes like "Weary Travelers" and the calming spy theme "Beachcomber's Gold." It's true that surf records benefit from a little mystery. This case is closed.

Keeping travelers on their toes (both literally and figuratively), The Frigidaires begin the second half of their journey with the cumbia-based "La Calle" before moving towards the epic "Mavericks." Here, the tension and release is married with deft interplay and a few surprising left turns. It isn't unlike the other trips you'll encounter along the way: a welcome exploration.

As Hot Vacation moves towards its conclusion, the band sneaks in their third and final vocal tune, "You Read My Mind," which slips in and then out like a cool summer breeze. Finally, the penultimate stop on this journey is "He Who Greats With Fire." With a thematic connection to "The Beast," heard earlier, this song also taps into the band's affinity for Middle Eastern rhythms and sounds. Folks, this is the finale for a reason. We started this trip with a bang, and we intend to end it that way, too.

As with Play It Cool, the explorations and destinations on Hot Vacation are subtly intricate compositions of trial, triumph, tension, and release. They're just warmer. This is truly a Hot Vacation, with sights and sounds planned by The Frigidaires. It's a welcome escape, one you didn't know how much you needed until you get back.