Tonight, Exeter Phoenix played host to an incredible band, a band that have redefined the meaning of chic with their effortless styling of post-punk classics, transforming them from a sweat soaked gig in the 1980’s to a laid back Parisian bar, full of cocktail dresses, strappy heels and bearded musos (not bearded musos in strappy heels), sipping their drinks whilst nodding along to the groovy vibes emanating from the stage.
The band in question is Nouvelle Vague, the brainchild of Marc Collin. This French Bossa Nova band embarked on a journey in 2003 that transcended mere tribute, carving a unique niche by infusing post-punk gems with the seductive rhythms of Bossa Nova. On paper, this sounds like a crazy idea, one that would never take off but you know what, you’re wrong!
Their latest offering (the fifth studio album), Should I Stay, or Should I Go?, is a testament to their enduring legacy. From the moment the needle hits the groove, listeners are transported to a realm where familiar melodies undergo a metamorphosis, emerging some 20 years earlier than originally penned but still managing to sound refreshed and revitalised.
Opening the evening was one half of a band called Dead Chic which is made up of 3 Frenchmen and a London based Yorkshireman whose gravel toned vocals were either gifted to him from birth or bought on from a diet of whisky and cigarettes, after chatting to them both ahead of the show, it transpires that it was the latter. Their sound echoed the classic output of Ennio Morricone and his Desert Noir styled guitar twangings which, combined with Andy’s sublime, smoky vocals, resonated with the room who had come early to catch their set. If you want to learn more about this truly wonderful band, head to Spotify and stream their 6 track EP ‘The Venus Ballroom’ and whilst there, have a listen to their recently released ‘The Venus Ballroom Live’ which perfectly captures the whole band in action on stage, something I was miffed at missing this evening but hey, there’ll be other chances to catch them in the future.
Highlights of the Nouvelle Vague show for this reviewer included tracks like Depeche Mode's 'People are People' and Duran Duran's 'Girls on Film', which evoke a collective sense of euphoria, igniting a sing-along frenzy that reverberates through the venue. Yet, it's the darker undertones of Bauhaus' 'She's in Parties' and The Cure's 'A Forest' that truly captivate, transforming the ambiance from an underground club to a sophisticated Parisian lounge bar, where the smoke from a Gitanes cigarette catches the light given off from table lamps as the clientele enjoy the coming together of blisteringly, hot sultry vocals and easy-going rhythms performed by the band.
Whilst the band remained constant throughout the evening, the two singers took it in turns to provide vocal duties. It was when they collaborated that things got interesting, take their rendition of ‘Making Plans for Nigel’ by XTC, watching them sing the opening lines whilst stood hand in hand, gazing into each other's eyes took me to another place altogether.... Later in the set, they filled the band’s glasses with champagne before launching into ‘Too Drunk to Fuck’, which considering the ambience, may sound a little crass but believe me, it worked perfectly and seeing both singers rolling around come the end of the song was a joyful affair!
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Nouvelle Vague had left an indelible mark with sublime renditions of The Undertones' 'Ever Fallen in Love' and The Smiths' 'This Charming Man'. Whist the lyrics remain true to the originals, the music has been completely re-written to take in the style that they offer, evoking emotions both nostalgic and new.
With their tour sweeping throughout the UK, now is the time to secure tickets and experience the magic firsthand. Nouvelle Vague's ability to breathe new life into classic compositions is a testament to their artistry and innovation. In their hands, the past becomes present, and the familiar becomes fresh once more.
Words and Pictures by musomuso
