Lunar Vacation Headlines the WREK 91.1 Annual WREKTACULAR Music Festival

Lunar Vacation (Photo: Nancy Gutierrez)

WREK 91.1 honored its long-held tradition of showcasing a diverse range of musicians that—as their slogan would suggest, you don’t hear on the radio. In their annual WREKTACULAR Music Festival, a student-led event, a thoughtful curation of up-and-coming bands from all over the country came together to put on an unbelievable show of eclectic sound, this year at Variety Playhouse. With 8-highly acclaimed bands, including Atlanta’s own Lunar Vacation, it was a guarantee there was something for everyone.

NICO! kicks the night off with glitchpop originals and earnest dedications, Siichaq following after. Siichaq is a personal favorite, not only because I’ve spoken with and interviewed lead singer, Kennie Mason, but because her stage presence is always sincere and silly. With this performance featuring a light reading of The Original Horse Bible: The Definitive Source for All Things Horse during tune-ups. A literary classic, of course! 

Kennie Mason aka Siichaq reading from her horse bible (Photo: Nancy Gutierrez)

Strumbrush up next offers something that feels a little like The Strokes if it was Sonic Youth. It’s undeniably cool and attention-grabbing, it’s a sound that nestles itself within the Atlanta Scene landscape and promises to cement itself there. Similarly, Hubble hails from Atlanta and features guitar-driven sounds, but sets itself apart by leaning more into a heavy, loud rock sound. 

Foster Wells of Strumbrush (Photo: Nancy Gutierrez)

Breaking the Atlanta streak, Joyer originates from New Jersey. Bringing forth a sound best described as country gaze by many. With a layered, textured array of guitar sounds they add something to refresh the palette before the denser, shoegaze-y sound of Full Body 2. Beloved by those in the underground scene, Full Body 2 was the band that made some of my friends’ ears perk up upon hearing the artist lineup. With feats like an American tour with George Clanton and an Audiotree live session, it’s no surprise this Pennsylvania native group has amassed over 30K+ monthly listeners on Spotify. 

Joyer (Photo: Nancy Gutierrez)

Before diving into the deep end with Lunar Vacation, we step first into Shallowater. The West Texas group plays self-appointed “dirtgaze”, but for the unanointed you can simply recall them as likely one of the most promising acts in the slowcore genre. With cohesion of sound and distorted guitar, they produce a consistent tone that almost picks up where Full Body 2 left off. 

As quickly as it started, it’s almost over. The time strikes 10pm and headliner, Lunar Vacation, is finally up next. Highly esteemed and regarded in admiration by most every musician I’ve come across, they make their way to the stage. Fans seem to rustle around a little more as the band tunes their instruments, with some shouting out praise in anticipation and excitement. With their signature “pool rock” sound, they seem to breathe life onto the stage in a way that highlights them as seasoned headliners and performers. Admittedly, it was my first time seeing them live. Though, I had been a longtime listener in ignorance of their proximity to me. It was truly a pleasure to be able to see the chemistry held between this group of friends turned five-piece indie rock band. Gep’s vocals are unwavering and lilted, with Maggie and Ben offering a sweet, understated backing. With a decade of success, accolades, and friendship it is no surprise they continue to pull in crowds and maintain a loyal audience.