Sun City by Cancan: A Glittering, Gritty Dive into Electronic Bliss
Let’s get one thing straight—Cancan’s Sun City isn’t your run-of-the-mill electronic album. Released in 2018 out of France (self-released under their own label, no less), this record is like that mysterious stranger at a disco who catches your eye and doesn’t let go till the lights come up. It’s got all the makings of a late-night soundtrack—disco vibes, electro beats, and enough sultry energy to make you wanna move even if you’re just sitting on your couch eating chips.
Fred Berthet handles the composing duties here, while John Deneuve pulls double duty as both songwriter and vocalist. And honestly? The combo works so well it feels almost effortless. You can tell these guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they just wanted to make something that hits hard and sticks around. Spoiler alert: they nailed it.
Now, I gotta talk about two tracks that really stuck with me because, damn, they’re unforgettable. First up is “Viens”. This track slaps. Like, hard. From the moment those synths kick in, it’s like being pulled into some neon-lit fever dream where everything’s slick and sweaty but also kinda beautiful. John’s voice floats over the beat like smoke curling through a dimly lit room—it’s hypnotic. There’s something raw and unapologetic about how he delivers the lyrics, like he knows exactly what buttons to press to get under your skin. By the time the chorus hits, you’re not just listening anymore; you’re living it.
Then there’s “Les Sirènes Se Touchent”, which sounds like the musical equivalent of stumbling across an underground rave in Paris. The bassline alone could wake the dead, and the layered production gives it this lush, otherworldly vibe. It’s sexy without trying too hard, edgy without being abrasive. Every time I hear it, I picture spinning around in slow motion under strobe lights, completely lost in the moment. Honestly, it’s the kind of song that makes you wish life came with a pause button so you can soak it all in forever.
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going strong. Tracks like “Vertige” and “Body Summer” bring the heat, while cuts like “Amour à l’italienne” add a touch of cinematic flair. Even weirder moments like “Gina X” feel intentional, like little surprises tucked between the bangers to keep things interesting.
But here’s the kicker—what makes Sun City stand out isn’t just its sound. It’s the way it makes you feel. Listening to it feels like stepping into another world, one where rules don’t exist and every emotion is dialed up to eleven. It’s messy, it’s bold, and yeah, maybe it’s a bit indulgent—but isn’t that what great music should be?
So, would I recommend Sun City? Hell yes. But fair warning: once you dive in, don’t expect to resurface anytime soon. This album grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be.
P.S. If Fred and John ever decide to turn this into a live show, I’m booking my ticket to France ASAP. No questions asked.
