French Boutik

L’Ame de Paris Heavy Soul CD Album

Second full-length studio album from chic mod-popsters French Boutik, L’Ame de Paris continues in the upward trajectory of their critically acclaimed debut album Front Pop. As with Front Pop, this brand new 10-track offering is released via cool, specialist label Heavy Soul, on both CD and vinyl formats. French Boutik two-girl, two-fella line-up avoid pretty much every generic musical cliché that many mod/mod inspired acts tend to encompass, contrastingly opting for exquisitely crafted, impeccably delivered, mod-infused, 60s-inspired pure pop gems. Closest French Boutik get to crashing power chords is on Amis Sur Facebook – even then it’s a mere hint. In the main, songs on this superb offering come with French lyrics, exception being The Word. Elements of jazz, blues, soul are blended to perfection with a healthy dose of 60s pop sensibilities garnished with Parisian chic. Dual lead vocals from Gabrielle, with her gossamer-like silky delivery offset by Serge’s gruffer, typically male range complement each other superbly. In addition to the four permanent members of the band, regular guest artist Oliver Popincourt and his keyboards, along with Susanne Shields’ haunting flute, both feature on the album. While every number is a standalone pop nugget, thanks to the way the songs have been lovingly, thoughtfully, cleverly constructed together, this excellent collection of tracks touches on being a revisitation of a 60s concept album. With a contemporary twist and a sizeable slice of continental cool. Although mod was conceived and nurtured in Britain, French Boutik have drawn from many different aspects of what has long been seen as mod music and taken it in fresh new directions.