Indochine are apparently France’s best-selling band, although this 2002 album is the only time I have come across them. Formed in Paris back in 1981, they had considerable success in the Eighties, which slowed somewhat in the 90’s, although their fortunes were revived with the release of ‘Paradize’ which reached #1 in Belgium, #2 in France and #6 in Switzerland and selling more than a million copies in the process. One of the singles from the album, “J’ai demandé à la lune” also reached #1 in both Belgium and France. It must be said that if you had asked me back in 2002 as to what bands I was listening to from France I would have talked about Mysterkah, Saens and especially Minimum Vital, while now I would rave over the likes of Art Zoyd and Nemo, but Indochine? Nope, they totally bypassed my radar, and having heard this now I can both see why that was and also why this was so successful at the time.
It feels quite dated, even for 2002, as there are large hints of Simple Minds and New Order, but there has been an attempt to bring it up to date with the likes of Nine Inch Nails obviously having an impact. There is New Wave, post punk, electro, all tied together with little pop bows and the feeling that this was being aimed at a particular market. Obviously it worked, as it was a major success, having no knowledge of any of their other releases it all feels a little too contrived and artificial. There is the impression they have held back the guitars as they know if they let them really crunch then they will not gain the commercial success they are after. I must confess to also finding the artwork rather disturbing, although in fairness it has been airbrushed in a similar way to Marilyn Manson’s ‘Mechanical Animals’ (and I didn’t like that album either). Another one for Francophiles, although my version is the original I am aware that it is also now possible to get a deluxe reissue. Just not for me.
Rating: 6/10
