Coups de Coeur #1: Laura Cahen & Ropoporose
In a very intimate theatre setting in Pigalle, Cahen was absolutely stunning. It’s chanson/folk, a similar mood to Françoiz Breut. Yes it’s in French which might be an obstacle for some, but this 24-year-old has extraordinary assurance and a way with a melancholy melody. Also, there’s some great detail in the arrangements which, along with that voice, lift this way out of the ordinary. She has two EPs to her name so far and an album due next year. Here’s the video for ‘Reverbere’ (one of my favourites, along with ‘Roseaux’) and a live cover of ‘Il Pleut’ by Brigitte Fontaine which demonstrates how strong the live band is.
Click here to listen to 'O' by Laura Cahen
ALSO: I actually missed Ropoporose’s show at MaMA but according to reports from UK contingent present for this brother-sister duo it was ‘intense’. I’ve been kicking myself since, especially on the strength of ‘Consolation’ (which is also intense, and also dreamy, and a little spooky), the standout for me from their ‘Elephant Love’ album which was released in France in Jan. Nicely disturbing animated video too.
David works for the super duper Bureau Export...fly by their Twitter, give them a thumbs up on Facebook and then refresh their website a couple of times (for the page views).