Nouvelle Vague, the French group founded by musicians Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux, released their debut album in 2004. A collection of cover versions, the original tracks are from the 1970s and 80s New Wave and Post-Punk period. Reinterpreted in Bossa Nova style, the contrasting sonic texture is combined with female vocals from France, Brazil and America. The group revamped successfully common impression on cover versions, each of their remix becomes a song of their own.

Nouvelle Vague attended ‘Le French May’ in Hong Kong in 2009, and now they are releasing new material in the form of their forth album ‘Couleurs sur Paris’. The group returns to their homeland, and portray the essence of French New Wave – the album is filled with 20th century covers of significant work by Synth-Pop, Etienne Daho, Jad Wio and Kas Product. Not necessarily familiar to younger generation, the album can also serve as a fantastic introduction to 1980s pop music. Apart from Mélanie Pain and Camille, there are many more vocal collaborators on this album – in fact, their biggest group so far. This ‘contemporary French New Wave’ is certainly on its way to expand.

Text: Vincent Lau | Translation: dilettante
Edit: Carmen Lee
Update: 9 Feb 2011

NOUVELLE VAGUE
nouvellesvagues.com