The legendary Indochine still reigns supreme with an epic, generation-defying performance, while giving Coach Party, the young, edgy indie pop band making extraordinary music, a chance to shine.
A ram jam-packed event, with the venue filled to the rafters as masses eagerly vie for a spot close to the band. We witnessed an epic event at London’s Roundhouse and encountered the most welcoming fans, who generously offered shared wine and expressed their desire for ‘no strings’ casual encounters – perhaps a French way of life! Cheers to you, santé à toi.
Indie pop band Coach Party, originating from the Isle of Wight, delivers an electrifying performance as they take the iconic Roundhouse Stage. Opening with their energetic anthem “All I Wanna Do is Hate,” it becomes abundantly evident why this talented group is capturing the interest of even the most discerning music enthusiasts. With their unique blend of pop sensibilities, edgy undertones, and a polished sound, Coach Party creates an infectious atmosphere that resonates with the audience. Their lyrics, both eclectic and deeply personal, are complemented by intricate guitar riffs that are skillfully performed, sung, and echoed throughout their set, all anchored by a relentless and captivating drum beat.
Coach Party skillfully blend lyrics of betrayal, despair, and self-doubt with upbeat, poppy melodies, snappy riffs, and hooks, creating a sound that is incredibly relatable"
Coach Party is an electrifying musical ensemble, fueled by an explosive combination of immense talent and raw energy. Jess dominates the stage with powerful vocals and an infectious bass groove. Steph and Joe unleash a sonic assault with their scorching guitar riffs and Guy’s thunderous drumming drives the band’s high-octane sound to new heights. When these musical forces collide, the result is a somewhat exhilarating experience.
Maintaining the self-deprecation theme, the second song, “Everybody Hates Me,” opens with an impressive intro from Joe. The lyrics are condemning yet refreshing, encapsulating feelings we can all relate to at some point (especially when you’re 23…). The band’s vulnerability, laid bare through these words, along with a catchy, breezy melody, makes them resonate deeply with listeners.
Indeed, their lyrics are often self-deprecating, hopeful, angst-filled, and occasionally strange, yet always melodically rich with catchy riffs and hooks. Tonight, they might have preferred being physically closer to each other, but the palpable connection between the four musicians is unmistakable. Each band member exudes a unique style, hinting at slightly differing musical genre preferences. This divergence might be the secret behind their rapidly growing fame and popularity.
“Shit TV” follows next, its nervy, nerdy but somehow trendy sound underlies lyrics that are half-sung, half-spoken over the guitars. “Hi Baby” takes us back to a more tuneful and melodic structure. “Killjoy,” the title track from their upcoming album release, due out this September, features a fast, frenetic performance from the drummer. The track breaks in the middle for a slower, more introspective interlude before returning to the swift beat and wild, noisy guitar pop playing that Coach Party excels at.
“Flag” is next, with its intense, eclectic lyrics that feel like a commentary, half-sung, half-shouted. The raw emotion of profound pain is perfectly captured in this track. Coach Party skillfully blend lyrics of betrayal, despair, and self-doubt with upbeat, poppy melodies, snappy riffs, and hooks, creating a sound that is incredibly relatable. They are four ordinary, yet extraordinary individuals from an ordinary, yet extraordinary place, making music that is anything but ordinary. Their next stop? Glastonbury, where they are slated to perform on the BBC introducing music stage. Onwards and upwards we think.
We were told we’d be in for an electrifying ride with Indochine, the monumental force that shook the French music scene to its core back in the 80s. According to our French comrade, who painted a vivid picture of Indochine’s supremacy, they were nothing short of a nationwide phenomenon. From the looks of the jam-packed Roundhouse tonight, their captivating allure has stood the test of time, attracting a diverse sea of ardent fans.
A marathon of melodic mastery"
Setting the stage ablaze as they parade in, Indochine bathes the Roundhouse in a celestial glow, with electrifying synth-pop symphonies and undulating chords underscored by strobe lights that flicker like heavenly lightning. Ludwig Dahlberg, the band’s dynamic drummer, is the first to step into this musical coliseum, saluting the thunderous applause of the audience with his drumsticks held high.
He’s promptly followed by the stellar trio: Boris Jardel, Olivier Gerard, and Marc Eliard. But the true crescendo arrives with Nicola Sirkis, the indomitable titan of French music, eliciting an ecstatic cheer that could rival the reverence of a holy sermon. As “La Marseillaise” reverberates through the vaulted venue, an electric buzz of anticipation saturates the air, finally exploding into a shower of red, white, and blue confetti that announces the spectacular kickoff of Indochine’s musical extravaganza… magnifique.
In what can only be described as a marathon of melodic mastery, Indochine delivers an imposing setlist of 24 songs, each one a chart-topping marvel. With fan-favorites like “Un Ete Francais,” “Nos Celebrations,” “3emesexe,” and the iconic “L’aventurier,” the band effortlessly keeps the audience on its toes.
Unleashing timeless rebellion, with a spirit beyond his years, Nicola Sirkis of Indochine tore through the stage, punk as fuck, leaving a trail of rock and roll fire in his wake."
Even daring to venture into cover territory, the band puts their unique spin on Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face,” Dead or Alive’s “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record),” and a breathtaking acoustic rendition of Elli and Jacno’s “Je t’aime tant.” Taking us on an intimate acoustic detour with “La Vie est Belle” and “J’ai demande a la lune,” Nicola’s velvety voice resonates with a poignant echo that fills the grandiose Camden venue.
Lost gems from their repertoire such as “Une Maison Perdu,” “Manifesto (Les Divisions de Joie),” and “Punker,” are revived, sounding fresher and more exciting than ever. Indochine’s performance is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Their iconic sound, blending addictive hooks, compelling melodies, and powerful riffs with an irresistibly charismatic stage presence, demonstrates why they’ve retained their place in the spotlight for over four decades. Through their spellbinding performance, they reaffirm their indomitable spirit and the genuine passion that makes Indochine an enduring tour de force in the realm of live music…Merci Indochine.
PHOTO SET TO FOLLOW…
INDOCHINE PLAYED @ THE ROUNDHOUSE, LONDON 11 JUNE 2023
SUPPORT FROM COACH PARTY
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