"AGAIN and again and again and again…", a select few were treated to the best of what Nouvelle Vague had to offer on Saturday at the Concorde2, Brighton.
No sooner has Mark Ronson won a Brit for his unique remasters of some of the best musical chart-topping hits this decade, than Nouvelle Vague, French soft punk, semi-rock Romany chic outfit, above and beyond, let loose with their versions of some cul
t classics that no one would imagine work well as floaty, breezy and quirky adaptations, where percussion takes centre-stage.
Years in the making and with jerky, salsa-style, model pose steps across the stage, the two leading sex-kittens breathed their way through a set that totally enlivened the audience and gave a truly unique interpretation of tracks by The Specials, the Sex Pistols and many more.
The seminal Too Drunk to **** turned into a group vocal **** with audience participation a-go-go: the crescendo to the evening saw a solo double bass raise ecstatic applause and a sultry French group clapping their own.
With true appreciation, this was Bossa Nova class at its best, totally unique and magnificent, failing not in conveying a wholly eclectic, artistic, poetic and sensual mix of beautiful beats that offered forth a cornucopia of well-connected music, dance, vocals and artistry.
Complemented by white or blue cabaret-lights, this made for an invigorating sold-out gig that can only be described as "c'est chic"!
Supported by the Short Straws, leading lady Phoebe Killdear opened with a tongue-in-cheek: "I used to be in Nouvelle Vague but they kicked me out for bad behaviour", presented a heavier session, an earthy, more fearless presentation of tracks that showed they were not scared to work hard at banging a drum, shaking a tambourine or donging a cow-bell, Phoebe indeed commanded the stage.
Joining Nouvelle Vague later in the set, it was all too clear that this was an entirely well orchestrated and wonderful synergy of sultry, yet acid jazz, all too sexy repertoire that carves an alternative niche in a somewhat too mainstream base of music currently available.
Being the final date in the tour, the entire audience, methinks, will join in bowing down to a dynamic and energetic, spirited show like no other. This was pure beauty that was mellow yet dynamic, soft yet enthusiastic. Bonsoir and bonne nuit! We cannot fault.
Nicola Luckin