On the night of the first semi-final of the football World Cup, thankfully there was no cause for concern for the impact on the attendance at La Boule Noire in Paris for a trio of bands on the Speedy Wunderground label. In fact it was a joy to see the venue fill early as indeed all three bands are deserving of the attention. The event was one of a series organised by the French music magazine Les Inrocks as part of their Festival.
First onstage was Heartworms who have hurtled out of the blocks this year with debut single ‘Consistent Dedication‘. Lead by Jojo Orme, the performance here provided ample evidence of why the chatter around the band is justified. The music is enthralling and thrilling, full of spark and originality. It’s difficult to put in a box and the Parisian crowd lapped it up and showed their appreciation. Self-proclaimed gothic post-punks but I would say the music is lighter than this description suggests. Highlights included ‘May I Comply?‘ and ‘Jacked’, delivered with an intensity by the five-piece. Intriguingly there is use of what looks like an aerial onstage, adding another layer of electricity to the soundscape.
Canadian Joyeria was cheered onto the stage. A set that began with a quiet keyboard opening quickly bounced into life. There was little chat but to be frank the music was doing all the talking. Joyeria’s 6-track EP FIM was released in October and the crowd was treated to a half hour set full of musical treasures. ‘9 to 5′ is a gem of a track full of clever lyrics:
“My headaches coincide with my screentime
Canned beans in a shared canteen with canned laughter”.
‘Performance Review‘ appears to have a personal narrative and ‘Death‘ puts the saxophone centre stage. The final track was ‘Colour Film‘, which opens with its scream and provides a perfect closer. It’s wild chaos sections thrilled the crowd who were loving Joyeria. The saxophone on this song adds a layer of depth, and yet at other times increases the aura of chaos. And with that Joyeria left the stage with huge whoops from the crowd.
The Lounge Society have had an outstanding 2022. The release of their debut album Tired of Liberty produced by Dan Carey, a debut UK and European tour, opening for Wet Leg, Fontaines D.C. and The Strokes at Lytham Festival in the summer plus numerous other festival appearances sees the four-piece from Hebden Bridge end the year on a high with this gig in Paris. The set included tracks from both the album and last years EP Silk For The Starving. Opening with ‘Cain’s Heresy‘ the band had the crowd dancing from the very start. Their flavour of funk punk is thrilling live. ‘People Are Scarey’ touches on social anxiety and how to interpret the words and body language of others: “When will I feel comfortable around other people?”.
However, The Lounge Society demonstrate they are no one trick pony with ‘Upheaval‘, a beautiful calm track full of emotion and feeling. ‘Beneath the Screen‘ is a personal favourite – I’m convinced there is a brass section within the sonic landscape such is the sound achieved, quickly followed by a phenomenal drumming section by Archie Dewis. Hani Paskin-Hussain and Herbie May switch around guitars at lightning speed, ensuring the set flows. The gig heads towards a close with ‘Valley Bottom Fever‘ and ‘Burn the Heather’ both from the EP. The former is a wild ride, frantic and raucous while the latter is inspired by their home in the Calder Valley. The final track however is their debut single ‘Generation Game‘, and I’m sure I will never tire of hearing this song. Re-recorded for the album it has evolved over time and it felt natural to re-record it thus incorporating its growth over time.
By now, of course, La Boule Noire is jumping. Everyone has a smile on their face and wallowing in the shared experience of glorious live music. This is a young talented band who are only going onwards and upwards from here. Their stage craft and confidence has grown with experience and it’s obvious they are giving their all in the performance, and loving every single second. They are already booked for SXSW in Texas in March. I implore you to see The Lounge Society live if you have the opportunity. You will not be disappointed.
For more information on The Lounge Society please check out their facebook, for Joyeria please click here and for Heartworms click here
