Betty and The Werewolves @ L’International, 29.01.11

*originally posted on thegirlsare

When pondering werewolves, I’d like to think we all hark back to the sketchy (but admittedly, brilliant) hirsute figure of Michael J. Fox in ‘Teen Wolf’. Just like the final scene in the 80′s cult classic where Michael triumphs in the basketball match sans transformation, it is with the same feeling of elation and enthusiasm that one should watch this band. Hailing from London, Betty and The Werewolves are a sparkly and sprightly mix of pop-panache and even boast an inspired track about the wonders of plastic. Despite their lack of eco friendly ethics, one can’t help but love this quirky bunch.

Gay-fully performing to a packed out crowd at L’International tonight, just off Paris’ bustling and vibrant Rue Obkerkampf, the band skip into former single, ‘Euston Station’, which, lead singer Laura proclaims in perfect French, is their “preferred stop on the London Underground”. Betty and The Werewolves have the upbeat tenacity of Letters to Cleo and the sweet vocals of the (frankly, underrated) Lush, particularly on moody track ‘The Party’, with drum-stomp and haunting backing harmonies. Latest single, ‘Paper Thin’ is met with whoops from the Parisians (a rarity, I tell thee), as the band saunter into warm, reverb-drenched tones, reminiscent of hazy days by the seaside as a child eating 99′s on the pier.

Ultimately, Betty and The Werewolves are like a timeless edition of Bunty: with soft spots for both David Cassidy and brightly coloured plastics, and a lyrical honesty that is both endearing and refreshing: “You ask me about The Libertines, who the fuck are they? I only know what happened in the sixties”.

 

Photograph courtesy of Michela Cuccagna @ Sound of Violence.

Christy and Emily @ L'International, 28.10.10

*Originally posted on thegirlsare.com - http://wp.me/pKnSx-1ck *

As the name suggests, Christy and Emily is quite literally the musical amalgamation of both New York rocker, Christy Edwards and Columbia trained pianist, Emily Manzo. More like the John and Jen of Brooklyn rather than the comedy coupling Chas and Dave, Christy and Emily combine their velvety vocals and whirling keys over a plateau of layered guitars and sounds.

Tonight's date at l'International is nestled in amongst the bands current European tour and in honour of their new record, 'No Rest'[produced by Hans Joachim Irmler of 'krautrockers' Faust, no less]. For this evening, despite the initial duo reference within the name, the two are, en fait, joined by an on-stage drummer with sparing fills and sombre floor tom that only adds to the groups live intensity.

The melody to set opener, 'Firefly,' flits through the crowd as Christy builds up layers of balanced and measured tones, only to enter the throng with two drum sticks in hand, weaving in and out of audience members like a mobile metronome. Edwards is certainly loop pedal savvy; an element to the bands sound that really sets them apart, enabling them to create a sound far more extensive than one would expect from this perfect pairing.

Even the on-stage banter of the group illustrates the true power of this bands fragile folk; they divulge that even the burly hardcore rockers they recently shared a stage with in Prague admitted to weeping through their penultimate track, 'Guava Tree'. As the delicate first chords swoop in, it's easy to see why.

Like the luminous firefly herself, Christy and Emily emit a light that is both powerful and intense. Tonight, Paris is under its bright glare...and it feels electric.

[www.myspace.com/christyandemily]

I'm Fresh! You're Pretty + Bryan Smith Industry +The Rambling Wheels @ L'International, 11.10.10

Initially, it's hard not to associate The Rambling Wheels with The Hives. The two bands rocking the same sharp white suits and brandishing similar coiffured locks including some very commendable facial hair in both camps [each with simiarly impressive titles - Dr Matt Destruction/Mr Jon Fox] It would seem then, that the art of good old fashioned Rock and Roll is rife in both Sweden and Switzerland as this Swiss three piece swagger and swank through a set of frivolity and showmanship. Hardcore musicians may dismiss all this jollity but when the boys adorn 5 unknowing girls from the audience with cardboard cut out guitars to join them on stage for their last song, you can't dispute the entertainment factor. Like Roy Lichenstein's take on Pop Art, The Rambling Wheels are the perfect pop tarts sketching songs with the three primary elements; simple hooks from the Blues, jangly, 60s rhythms with Red hot hooks and mellow Yellow merriment. Just as Pop Art didn't strike out with the most radical stance towards Art, The Rambling Wheels aren't rocket science but they sure make a big bang.

The Bryan Smith Industry honestly lost me at their questionable band name. Yet, knowing not to judge a book by its cover perhaps, there really is a darker side to this French foursome hinted at through their name sake and Stephen King fictional star, Bryan Smith? In short, no there isn't. Fronted by a French looking Chace Crawford [Gossip Girl reference, anyone?] The Bryan Smith Industry has a very out dated and tired sound for such an ultimately, young band – a kind of growly 90s Puddle Of Mudd [wah] vocal, one song is relatively pleasing but a whole set is a bit abrasive. One could argue that the boys are Paris based and, après tout, that is fundamentally what I should be exposing on here but it would be a dismal thing to assume this is really all France's capital has to offer.


NB. Even the bands press pictures were outdated and with predictable [and overused] fish eye lens thus, couldn't bear to tar my blog with one but on the plus side, I think putting effort into a good moustache deserves additional photo space for The Rambling Wheels on here.

There was one resounding factor that led me here to see French electro trio, I'm Fresh! You're Pretty at L'International tonight; anyone that can conjure up an electro doused version of the 2 Unlimited classic, No Limit is a definite winner in my eyes [no, seriously check out their myspace!] Look past this 90s nostalgia though and you will find some equally admirable originals. New single, 'Everywhere, Anymore, Anyone,' is bubbly mix of fizzing synths and sugary guitars, with Chupa Chup chants like that of sweet sixteen cheerleaders. Their drummer, and the bands lead singer, is like one part electro robot, one part Steven from Blood Red Shoes [admittedly, not in appearance] with his quick wit and yelps. If Paris had a sound it would definitely be this, just like B.R.I.A.N himself says in the bands former single, 'I'm from Paris, it's crazy! The only thing left to ponder is if they take requests as I am pretty sure that The Outhere Brothers equally deserve some sort of revival....

www.theramblingwheels.ch

www.myspace.com/imfreshyourepretty



Rivkah @ L'International, 27.09.10

L'International is a curious place. It oozes Art School bar with a dash of grimy Camden Club and thus, plays hosts to some of the freshest up and coming acts [internationally speaking, of course, name and all] within it's weathered and band sticker sodden walls.

Rivkah could be plainly described, and as her myspace insists on doing so, as a singer/songwriter; often playing the piano and/or synth. A far cry from reality, the suggestion is hardly alluring and only conjures up images of some coy mouse softly singing Sheryl Crow covers to a dismal crowd. Thankfully, as Sheryl so poignantly put in fact, these are the days when anything goes and Rivkah is a refreshing mix of haunting, layered harmonies and tinkering abstract noises and instruments.

Like Île-de-France's own Regina Spektor, Rivkah sprinkles bite size snippets of her vast [and very impressive] vocal range over layers of her own unorthodox approach to percussion and instruments; utilising the mic itself to tap out rhythms on the body of her piano and steadily building the sound of the band through only her sole self.

It is both intriguing and inspiring. At times, it is so French too that I am plunged into the familiar yet bygone days of Les Triplettes de Belleville or its English equivalent [and a thoroughly recommended film choice] Belleville Rendez-vous as her vocals spiral around one another like those of the 1930s ladies jazz trio.

Although not quite the same as the Triplets domicile jam session [the scene in the fancy restaurant] using just a newspaper, refrigerator, vacuum and bicycle wheel; Rivkah is truly imaginative and innovative in her approach to music and it is utterly captivating. She may not be from those parts but I certainly found a Belle in the Ville of Paris tonight. Now, all that's left is for her to branch out with that tired copy of Direct Soir on the Metro...

Rivkah - www.myspace.com/rivkahsongs

Belleville Rendez-vous - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0286244/