On a mild Saturday night in early December, Vacations, a band from Newcastle, takes the stage at Howler, a popular venue in Melbourne. Despite accumulating close to ten million streams in 2019 and receiving praise from fans worldwide, their performance is not a sold-out show but a warm-up gig for a small group of dedicated fans. This situation reflects the insular nature of the Australian live scene, where even internationally acclaimed bands struggle to gain recognition at home. Nevertheless, Vacations’ captivating stage presence and guitar-driven indie pop sound resonate with the audience, leaving a lasting impression. Campbell Burns, the band’s front man, acknowledges the unique position of Australian artists, feeling detached from the global music scene. Although Vacations has achieved success abroad, with 85% of their fan base residing overseas, they still strive to be recognized in their own country. The band’s journey began in 2016 as a DIY project, with Burns producing demos and later collaborating with Jake Johnson, Nate Delizzotti, and Joseph Van Lier to refine their sound. Their music draws inspiration from the likes of Morrissey, Marr, Joy Division, and The Cure, infusing a modern twist. Burns’ audacious spirit led him to tour the US and perform at SXSW, forming an impromptu band to share his music on an international stage. In 2020, Vacations embarked on a new chapter with their forthcoming album, “Forever in Bloom,” which explores their evolution as a band and the challenges they face. Recorded by the band themselves at various locations, the album was co-produced by Oscar Dawson and the band at The Grove, resulting in a refined and poignant sound. While their local critical acclaim is yet to match their international success, Vacations’ profile is expected to continue to rise overseas while making strides in their home country’s touring circuit. Looking ahead, Burns envisions releasing a series of singles leading up to their debut studio album and aims for widespread recognition and endless touring, perhaps even relocating to the USA for their next album. As Burns reflects over breakfast, he acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the band’s future but remains hopeful for what lies ahead with their new album, describing Vacations as a dark horse band.