Family Average: 4/7

There’s something about the term “winnebago” that immediately conjures images of Chevy Chase, Wally World, and general familial chaos. Pretty sure they never once drive an RV in the flick, but you get what I mean. Probably.

Regardless, our buddy Eli Frank (of TOP Nachos lore and fame) brings back all the nostalgic mems with his solo project, Winnebago Vacation. The family gave his debut LP a listen, and gets a bit misty-eyed in the process. 

Check out what they had to say below — and if you haven’t already, give the OG National Lampoon a watch. 

Most tracks start with uplifting instrumentals that put you into a good place and then the vocals, in contrast, are downtempo and gloomy. A charming album that just weaves in and out of your brain in a soothing way. 

4/7

Mellow dreamlike tracks with little twists for the listener. Unfortunately, it was a bit monotonous for me, I found myself getting bored when most of the tracks sounded the same. At times it was almost too mellow, for me it sounded lackluster, but that is just my humble opinion.

3/7

Emotive vocals and somber guitar, this is a quiet and moody album that just feels “nice.”  I completely understand their description of “folk-goth” — the mellow guitar, swirling acoustics and gloomy vocals make for a really lovely and broody listen. Sleepy and subdued, it’s a welcome take on the DIY sound bopping around NYC right now.

5/7 

Winnebago Vacationith puts out a tender melancholy this has cemented Camp Somewhere as one of the most haunting summer camps I have ever attended. That being said I have actually never experienced summer camp. Most people I know say it was a fun thing to do when they were younger. I am more intrigued by the camp experience laid out by Winnebago Vacationith. A spooky empty camp. One that might have been really popular in the late 70’s early 80’s but some great tragedy has left it a hollow shell of what it once was. If you are wondering yes I did recently just re-watch Friday the 13th parts 1-3.

Moving away from spooky camps though this is a solid record. Fans of darker folk music will find a lot to love here.

4/7