LIVE REPORT: Archimède @Le Réservoir

 For those who may not be aware, Archimède is a French band, the only one who actually plays decent rock. Last night, they performed a gig at Le Réservoir to promote the release of their new album Trafalgar, out today, September 5th.

Coming from a small town named Laval, which I think 95% of French people cannot point on a map, these guys headlined an evening of Lavalian pop rock. Unfortunately, we arrived at 9:30 which meant we missed the first band playing. BUT, the second band Jack And Lumber (which I hope I got the name right) was pretty good. Totally folk, they managed to captivate the audience and I hope they'll continue on their way.

Third band was, well, not that good, unfortunately and you could see people wondering when the heck it would stop. I probably have to remind you that the underground in Paris closes at midnight and it was already 11:10 when that band stopped playing- which meant that for those who couldn't take a taxi or didn't have a car, they wouldn't be able to watch Archilmède too long.

Anyway, the band was there to perform ALL the songs from their new album, which is undoubtedly effing brilliant! The songs range from love stories to everyday things, and so make Archimède a true rock band, not only a "band playing French song with guitars). Nicolas Boisnard, the singer dressed as a Londonian "titi" (if that existed) , has this capacity to grab the audience and offers a flawless gig. His brother Frederic Boisnard, rythm guitar, is the Ray Davies of the band, leaving his little brother do the show. The rest of the band can easily measure up to any British bands (which I have to say is pretty surprising!). Unfortunately, we had to leave before the end of the gig (thank you RATP) but we did enjoy a great night out with one of the only rock bands that's left in France.

Is Laval the French Liverpool? It sounds so, and if you want to join the bandwagon, come see them at La Maroquinerie this autumn!

Le Bonheur video is right on this link  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59Uac83tOw8&feature=channel_video_title