So Cool 6

April 2010

Dig The New Breed Goes French

Despite what many of you may think there is a lot more to the French music scene than all the wannabe libertine guitar bands. Scratch beneath the surface and there is a whole underground dance electro scene happening. Right at the forefront of this are my first offerings this week  

Sourya   

There is a distinct mixture blended here of soulful electronica built around Brian Wilson like melodies, fused with Daft Punk. The debut album Dawdlewalk has a lot going for it in these terms. Quite how a band this good have stayed under the radar of the major labels who seem to push the sounds of, say Delphic, amazes me. Souyra  really are rather good and deserve your attention.  Tracks like Unsuspected which shows the band to their full rock/electro crossover potential. A softer side abounds on tracks such as Numero Uno. With a gentle push in the right direction these guys could well be all over your airwaves come the end of 2010.

Mademoiselle Caro & Frank Garcia

The latest creation from this French duo is crafted from the hybridized worlds of electronic and acoustic, the live production duo have created a luscious, hook-laden pop album.  Is full of dreamy sensibilities, deep grooving rhythms and a soft heartfelt touch.

Its a great split of acoustic, indie sensibilities and electronic pulses and heartbeats - both respected French DJ's, their second album has honed and refined these two differing music forms into a widely appealing and universal pop sound, rich with texture and depth. Very Phoenix, very Gainsbourg - and very French, but the appeal is widespread for fans of both beats and strings.  I have really fallen in love with this album which was not such an easy listen first time round.   It is well worth sticking with to feel the full potential entitled "Left" and released on Buzzinfly records.

I could not take a look at the current French scene without introducing you to one of the best e.p's I have had the pleasure to listen to this year. Sonic Cathedral is one of my favourite indie labels true purveyors of alternative music this is no major label imprint 

Team Ghost

For those of you well up on the electro-shoegaze scene the name of Nicholas Fromageau will be best known for his previous band M83. All that looks set to change with this exciting new venture Team Ghost .Fromageau alongside Christophe Guerin and Jean-Phillipe Talaga have produced a refreshing new twist to the M83 blueprint with this debut e.p " You Never Did Anything Wrong To Me ". There is a clever mix of cinematic, Eno-esque soundscapes built around really accessible tracks such as " Deaf". That is not to say that they have in anyway compromised on the credibility factor. You only have to check out the suitably entitled " A Glorious Time" to see where the bands roots and influences lie. Its a full on slice of shoegaze, the kind you think that bands like Big Pink would like to achieve if they were free of major label shackles. There are shades of Nada Surf as well, but overall Fromageau and Co have created a record that is well worthy of my ZANI essential new band of the week tag. The e.p by the way drops May 3rd Sonic Cathedral on limited edition 10" vinyl and download.

© Words – Mark Thorpe/ ZANI Ltd



Sourya   MySpace Page



Mademoiselle Caro & Frank Garcia MySpace Page



Team Ghost  MySpace Page

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