Swiss singer-songwriter Vendredi sur Mer brought her dreamy French pop sound to Lee’s Palace in Toronto on Tuesday (March 10th) for her North & South American tour in support of her latest album, Malabar Princess. Known for blending nostalgic synth-pop with poetic lyricism, Vendredi sur Mer (Charline Mignot) has carved out a distinctive space in modern French pop, and the energy in the room made it clear that her sound resonates just as strongly live as it does on record.
Opening the night was Gäelle, who warmed up the crowd with a smooth blend of R&B and pop. Her performance carried a steady groove that kept the room engaged and dancing from the start. Her vocal ability was a clear highlight of the set, particularly during her final song, where she effortlessly hit striking whistle tones that drew an enthusiastic reaction from the audience.
When Vendredi sur Mer took the stage, the atmosphere shifted into something closer to a late-night club than a concert. The set was filled with synths and pulsing rhythms, creating a dance-floor energy that carried through the entire performance. Her music translated effortlessly to the stage, and her songs had even more emphasis on the dance elements and pounding bass in a live setting; it was impossible not to move to the beat alongside everyone.
Midway through the set, before performing the title track from her latest album, “Malabar Princess”, the singer paused to speak about her hometown and the mountains there, along with the family and friends who inspired the record. This track was a fan-favourite at the show, with numerous fans holding up their phones and cameras to record the moment. Speaking of fan-favourites, when “Écoute Chérie” began, fans immediately sang along, turning the track into a highlight of the evening and a reminder of the song’s enduring popularity.
By the end of the night, Vendredi sur Mer had fully transformed the venue into a vibrant, dance-filled atmosphere. Her ability to translate her dreamy sound into a captivating live performance made for an evening that felt both intimate and immersive, leaving the crowd fully absorbed in her world from start to finish.
