I have known Thierry Sportouche for more years than either of us would probably like to admit, and I have been a contributor to his Acid Dragon for more than 30 years. There are times when he sends me some French CDs he is sure I would like to review, which is how I came across this live album. Back in 2024 they released their debut EP, ‘Phase One’, then followed it up last year with the album ‘The Sky’s The Limit’, and it doesn’t take much to work out that this is a live CD from the ensuing tour. The line-up on this tour was Vanessa Di Mauro (lead vocals), Fabrice Dutour (guitars, vocals ), Michaal Benjelloun (guitars, vocals ), François C. Delacoudre (bass) and Laurent Falso ( drums), and I feel as if I have been transported back just over 50 years to the early Seventies.
My first reaction was that here was a French version of the much-missed Stone The Crows, but with twin guitars as opposed to guitar/keyboards, but possibly with some Big Brother & The Holding Company vibes. Yes, this is an early Seventies blues-based outfit with an amazing female singer and a band who really know their chops. All the music is performed in English with French only appearing between the songs, and I am not sure if it is due to a lack of original material or the desire of fans, but there are five covers within the 13 songs on show. We get “Ramble On”, “Rock ‘n Roll”, “Boys Are Back In Town”, “Stay With Me” and “Nutbush City Limits”, so quite British-centric, and that comes through in their own songs as well.
I did enjoy the covers, especially when they can let their hair down and have a blast on the likes of “Stay With Me” which is sleazy in all the right places, although it does seem strange not to have any keyboards. I would have preferred less covers and more original numbers if possible as these guys need to be pedalling their own wares as this one heck of a release. If, like me, you love Seventies blues-based rock with a cooking band and great female vocals then this is one to seek out. Superb.
Rating: 9/10
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Track list:
1. When There’s a Will There’s a Way
2. What You’re Told
3. Bad Mood
4. Ramble On
5. On & On
6. Worry
7. Devil Woman
8. The Boys Are Back in Town
9. Stay With Me
10. The Sky’s the Limit
11. Nutbush City Limits
12. Rock’n Roll