Electro Deluxe - Live at The Barfly Camden, London. 10th June 2014.

(From left to right: Mathieu Gramoli - drums, Thomas Faure - sax, Bertrand Luzignant - Trombone, James Copley - vocals, Jeremie Coke - Bass, Gael Cadoux - Keys, Vincent Payen - Trumpet)

It was a remarkably hot and humid evening in Camden, London when French septet Electro Deluxe made their debut performance on UK soil. Formed in 2001 and having successfully accumulated an adoring fan base over the past decade touring France, China, India, Canada, Mexico and Europe, (not forgetting the addition of the magnetic US born lead singer James Copley in 2010) it's a wonder why this appearance seemed such a long time coming. 

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When offered the chance to meet and greet the band backstage before their 16-track showcase, it didn't take us long before we were mellowing out on the sofa casually throwing a few questions at the charming English/French bilingual James Copley. What with the Jazz Cafe just a stones throw away, we wondered why the relatively small and sweaty Barfly was their choice of venue for their first appearance. With a twinkle in his bright blue eyes  and a cheeky grin plastered across his face, James replied; "It's the perfect size. If no one fucking shows up then it's okay!"

Fortunately for Electro Deluxe, this tongue-in-cheek pessimism was a very inaccurate possible portrayal of what was to come. Instead, reality saw them performing to a tightly packed and extremely clammy venue full of enthusiastic fans of all ethnicities and age groups, to the extent that we haven't seen so much diversity and mutual excitement at a live show in quite some time. If perhaps making amazing records isn't enough for Electro Deluxe they can safely say their live performances have the ability to bring all types of people together in a relaxed, happy and safe environment where the only thing that's going to get you is the groove.

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Whilst the audience relentlessly danced and jived and threw their bodies into spectacular shapes, that honestly, we had never quite seen before, Electro Deluxe performed a flawless set under sweltering lights, sharply dressed in suits; an image that James told us, "stands for respect... it goes with the band name, representing deluxe quality". 10 of the tracks performed were taken from Electro Deluxe's most recent 12-track album 'Home',  whilst they also delved into their discography to play four well loved tracks from their 2010 album, 'Play' one from their 2007 album 'Live In Paris,' and their amazing cover of the Bee Gee's hit 'Stayin' Alive' which features on the bands 2007 album 'Hopeful'.

It is important to note the bands chemistry not only with each other but with their audience. Electro Deluxe were not just doing their job and filling a quota, it was more like they were throwing a party that we were all invited to as friends. James is a true showman who continuously interacted with the crowd, encouraging us to get involved and making sure we were enjoying the moment as much as the band were. Interestingly, the band have none of the same influences, but get on very well. '"We're like a family... We're a democracy who all write together with equal input". Perhaps this is why their music is so eclectic and relaxed incorporating elements of funk, soul, hip hop, electro and jazz. It follows the formula of less structure and more individual spontaneity which makes their sound unique.

 

Although the attire speaks of grandeur, these guys are absolutely crazy on stage without an uptight bone in their bodies. They ooze a charisma that contagiously cuts to the very core of you. Even the most stiffest of upper lips would find it hard not to surrender to the sound. In the instance of Electro Deluxe, not only do you feel the funk, but the funk feels you and man, does it feel good. Congratulations guys, London loves you.

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