Vacance is a synth pop trio from Bordeaux, composed of Allison Treutenaere (vocals), Laurent (keyboards) and Michaël (multi-instrumentalist).
In the six years since their debut release - Nos Futurs - nothing much has changed from their 80s style electronic pop sound. After reviewing their first album ( fairly positively) I was gently rebuked for not recognising the cleverness of the lyrical content. My defence then, as it is now, is that all the words are in French , a language I do not speak.
Just to cover my ass this time around I can quote the band’s PR which states that ”Allison () sings and writes gently ironic lyrics about contemporary life”. This assertion I have to take on trust, as is the case for reporting that the songs are about ”what remains as time passes: disillusion, habits, attachments that persist despite everything.” Love, loss and ageing in other words.
The album was recorded at home and the rhythms are catchy in a very radio friendly way. It will doubtless appeal to Francophile fans of Depeche Mode and listeners looking for a poppier version of Stereolab.
