This edition of Dark Pop BOPS dives into the cinematic shadows with Bristol’s Vacant Shores, whose self-titled EP brings together widescreen production, emotional depth, and a hypnotic sense of atmosphere. It’s the sound of dreams and disquiet colliding — lush, haunting, and utterly immersive.
Vacant Shores – Vacant Shores (EP)
Vacant Shores craft widescreen electronic pop that glows softly in the dark – emotional, cinematic, and beautifully human.
On their latest self-titled EP, Vacant Shores lean fully into their blend of electronic trip-pop and atmospheric songwriting. The Bristol trio build soundscapes that shimmer with both intimacy and grandeur, balancing cool precision with emotional warmth. From the delicate pulse of Flat Circle to the soaring melancholy of Wasted Breath, every moment feels carefully constructed yet deeply felt.
Fronted by Suzy Alderton and AJ ‘Sid’ Sidford’s vocals, the band’s sound has evolved into something expansive and cinematic, calling to mind acts like Moderat and Beach House. The vocals drift like smoke over layers of synths and subtle percussion, carrying both fragility and strength. Jon Elliott shapes the sound with cinematic intent, turning texture and tone into storytelling tools.
There’s a quiet confidence in Vacant Shores’ approach. They don’t chase intensity; they let it unfold. Each track feels like a film scene – lingering, emotional, and rich with detail. The result is a record that feels both nocturnal and human, a reflection of modern life’s beauty and blur.