There will always be room for punk bands with smart pop instincts. Even in 2013, with Joey, Johnny, and Dee Dee Ramone all gone, The Ramones' sound (with modest modifications) keeps finding its way in a world that's changed over the decades. All you need are solid and loud drummers, guitarists who dial up abrasive yet comforting tones, bassists who aren't afraid of fuzzboxes, and singers who can deliver words and a limited melody without wandering too far off-key or coming off too preciously. Cincinnati's Vacation does all these things admirably. Throughout Candy Waves, Vacation's energy and excitement is loud, messy, and inspired. The title track comes closest to pure garage punk, with a stereo-mixed sound that's dirty and playful. Backing vocals and a second guitar add chaos to the sweet melodies. "SFA," "Make a Mess," the rather (British) Jam–like "Everybody Loves the Sun," and the over-modulating "Cellophone" all capture punk and its pop accents at their most pure. The sophisticated "Horny Politicians" leans toward The Replacements without tipping into the emo territory that many groups imitating that sound lapse into.