Being "the perfect soundtrack to a hot, lazy summer", Vacabou's self-titled debut isn't much use considering the mass of misery pouring from the sky outside my window. Not one too give up easily though I persevere and thankfully am rewarded by an album that deserves the lofty comparisons heaped upon it.

Like every other record with a beret and a whiff of garlic, Vacabou slows you down more effectively than a protest and leads you on with distinctive ease. First track Meditation Park does a good job of dragging the album past the inevitably lazy Air/Royksopp comparison, and shows a duo with more warmth and bravado than the aforementioned. Saravelli's voice is beautifully effortless and thankfully free of ego, allowing Feliu's meandering but devastating production space to breathe. Later tracks such as the chunky Angel of Night show sonic alchemy levels akin to Broadcast, whilst never losing the welcoming atmosphere provided largely by Saravelli's vocal blanket. Easily out-manoeuvring any of the most recent releases by the big European names in the chill/dance/etc genre, Vacabou's first will probably be their best and so should be savoured as such. Wonderful stuff.

by Ross Breadmore

copyright subba-cultcha.com