It took us a while to fully understand what ‘Paid Holiday’ stands for, with its whimsical, glittering synth-pop production and its decadent, ambiguous lyricism. We got it, eventually: suburban delusion. Written as a playful anthem towards the repetitive routine of a well-mannered lifestyle in a quaint residential neighbourhood, ‘Paid Holiday’ pays homage to the ever-present wish of leaving everything behind, embracing risk, and exploring a different, more chaotic lifestyle.
Yet, we get the impression that the song doesn’t truly repudiate the suburban mindset; simply, it wonders what could have been – just like when you ponder whether you could sleep with your Yoga instructor, but without being truly serious about it. Penned by Austin-based outfit don’t get lemon, ‘Paid Holiday’ is a wonderful example of an indie synth-pop record made with irony and charming wit. It does feel nostalgic and retro, yet also contemporary and relevant, in part reminding us of the ethos behind MGMT, among others.
From a sonic standpoint, the single takes a quite British aura, with don’t get lemon’s lead vocals evoking a young Damon Albarn with all its coolness and unrestrained charisma. As the track develops, minimalistic synth-pop leaves space for a more psychedelic and eclectic arrangement, delving into art-pop and theatrical flair. Overall, ‘Paid Holiday’ is a good record, threading the fine line between decadence and euphoria.
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