Though their choice of band name is dubious, this synth-pop trio from Angers follows in the footsteps of their electronic predecessors, unleashing power-pop, manly falsettos, and charming accents. Their debut album, You Need Pony Pony Run Run, is the pleasant equivalent of a drive down the Champs Elysées in the springtime: a fresh gust of air, the aroma of nature reawakening, riding in a convertible with the top down, people walking the streets, the sun beaming down. Pony Pony Run Run unleash the emotional power of a young couple in love through a healthy appreciation of 80s British pop, a French disco twinge, and an American sensibility.
The original fivesome was formed in Nantes, France in 2003. Last year, two of the band members left, leaving brothers Gaëtan (guitar, vocals) and Amaël Réchin Lê Ky-Huong (bass), and friend Antonin Pierre (synths), or as they like to refer to themselves, “G,” “A,” and “T”. The threesome has released one album and two singles. They’ve achieved modest success in France and other French-speaking European countries but have yet to conquer American soil.
Several clues point to a desire to reach out to America in their music: all of “G’s” lyrics are in English despite his obvious accent, the subject matter has the depth of a Mandy Moore film, and “G” loves using clichéd Americanisms and fudging up his grammar. But hey, if grammar counted for anything, Kanye West would be homeless right now. By the band’s estimates, their influences are “80 to 90 percent Anglo-Saxon,” and by all accounts, their music has the potential to be more appealing to Brits and Yanks than to the French.
It’s almost fitting that the three major acts they’ve supported are Calvin Harris, Katy Perry, and Simple Minds…electro-funk, pop, and 80s one-hit wonder: all have a stake in Pony Pony Run Run’s sound. Their debut, You Need Pony Pony Run Run, is a spectrum of moods. Two music videos have been released for the singles “Hey You” and “Walking On A Line,” the former a warm, summer romance and the latter an ephemeral love story. “Love Veritable” evokes the sunglasses and slicked back hair of cool guys from the 80s, the curiously titled “First Date Mullet” has the pulsating and driving electronic rock that would be right at home with a band like Bloc Party, and “Show Me Show Me” is the perfect example of the light, infectious pop that makes this record such a carefree listen.
Pony Pony Run Run follows a well-known musical formula, but they shouldn’t be penalized for replicating and building upon an exciting regional sound. That’s why they are more than just another French-pop drone: they have that feel-good vibe that doesn’t wear off quickly. Look for a smarter, sleeker, and more eclectic follow-up album from Pony Pony Run Run. The instrumentals can only improve, as will G’s grasp of the English language (and his ability to express more complex lyrical themes). Expect big things from these guys.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Thursday, April 1, 2010
2pac, Biggie Rise From Dead, Kill Each Other Again
The battle of East coast and West coast took an undead turn for the worse on Saturday, as multiple reports have confirmed that the reanimated corpses of Tupac Shakur and Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace shot and killed each other again in a Los Angeles recording studio.
The two legendary rappers were set to collaborate for the soundtrack to “Natural Born Killers 2,” and had started the first day of work when the incident occurred. Witnesses claim to have seen the two arguing over a particularly sweet G-Funk beat before pulling knives and guns on each other.
Hip-hop producer Dr. Dre, who was present at the session, had a few words to offer reporters.
“It’s a shame, I was really starting to feel relevant again. Hold up, could we go bring Eazy-E back to life?”
Biggie was roused back to the light by rolling over shortly after the release of “Notorious,” a piss-poor representation of his career funded by his money grubbing mother. He quickly rejoined Bad Boy records, but on the condition that P. Diddy would admit that he has no talent and would never rap on a song again.
Zombie 2pac made his triumphant return to the streets of L.A. upon the arrest of Suge Knight, a former manager and a legitimately terrifying person.
Since rising from the dead, the two rappers have confessed to planning each other’s murders. Each party issued a statement.
“I hit ‘em up…that’s the past. I’m back, I got double the albums, picture me rollin’ bitch, sippin’ on that thug passion.” – 2pac
“I told him, ‘touch my cheddar, feel my barretta.’ Motherfucker didn’t know, got smoked for bein’ resistant…” - Biggie
Normally, these confessions could be used in court, but the lack of any legal precedent for zombie murder has prosecutors shrugging their shoulders and shaking their heads. Even though we didn’t ask for it, Kanye West offered his own eloquent take on the matter as yours truly was interviewing someone more interesting.
“Yo, journalist dude, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish, but ‘Dawn of the Dead’ was one of the best movies of all time.”
Police officers on the scene offered their own racist take.
“I’m gonna be honest with this situation,” explained Detective Wally Whitewash, “Undead anti-role models killing each other? The likelihood of catching the culprit is slim to none…our motivation right now ranges from ‘Snoop Dogg weed bust’ to ‘they were probably high on crack.’ I doubt it’ll reach the ‘Rodney King’ level.”
Both rappers were scheduled to make a guest appearance on HBO’s “Entourage” next week.
The two legendary rappers were set to collaborate for the soundtrack to “Natural Born Killers 2,” and had started the first day of work when the incident occurred. Witnesses claim to have seen the two arguing over a particularly sweet G-Funk beat before pulling knives and guns on each other.
Hip-hop producer Dr. Dre, who was present at the session, had a few words to offer reporters.
“It’s a shame, I was really starting to feel relevant again. Hold up, could we go bring Eazy-E back to life?”
Biggie was roused back to the light by rolling over shortly after the release of “Notorious,” a piss-poor representation of his career funded by his money grubbing mother. He quickly rejoined Bad Boy records, but on the condition that P. Diddy would admit that he has no talent and would never rap on a song again.
Zombie 2pac made his triumphant return to the streets of L.A. upon the arrest of Suge Knight, a former manager and a legitimately terrifying person.
Since rising from the dead, the two rappers have confessed to planning each other’s murders. Each party issued a statement.
“I hit ‘em up…that’s the past. I’m back, I got double the albums, picture me rollin’ bitch, sippin’ on that thug passion.” – 2pac
“I told him, ‘touch my cheddar, feel my barretta.’ Motherfucker didn’t know, got smoked for bein’ resistant…” - Biggie
Normally, these confessions could be used in court, but the lack of any legal precedent for zombie murder has prosecutors shrugging their shoulders and shaking their heads. Even though we didn’t ask for it, Kanye West offered his own eloquent take on the matter as yours truly was interviewing someone more interesting.
“Yo, journalist dude, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish, but ‘Dawn of the Dead’ was one of the best movies of all time.”
Police officers on the scene offered their own racist take.
“I’m gonna be honest with this situation,” explained Detective Wally Whitewash, “Undead anti-role models killing each other? The likelihood of catching the culprit is slim to none…our motivation right now ranges from ‘Snoop Dogg weed bust’ to ‘they were probably high on crack.’ I doubt it’ll reach the ‘Rodney King’ level.”
Both rappers were scheduled to make a guest appearance on HBO’s “Entourage” next week.
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