First off, kudos to these guys for properly representing their hometown of Mississauga instead of pretending to be from Toronto like every other band surrounding the GTA.

Self-Titled 2 is Vacant Space‘s first full-length (following their 2020 EP, also self-titled) and it’s a charming chunk of catchy alternative rock. There’s a fair bit of angst at play here. Self-medicated opener “Caffeine & Tylenol” is all about coping with the grind. “Rot” turns to stronger substances (ketamine). “Messed Up Again” is unabashedly apologetic while rogue’s anthem “Being Good” is unabashedly unapologetic (calling the act a “waste of time”). “Lunch Break” is a pleasant dive into dream pop territory.

The record is capped with two versions of closer “Frank”, an earnest farewell to a friend. I found the acoustic version particularly moving.

According to their Instagram page the band is on hiatus. So this might be the only way to listen to Vacant Space for the foreseeable future.

Self-Titled 2 is available digitally.