Is Archimede the French Oasis? Definitely Maybe

Photo: Fabrice Demessence

With a sound that seamlessly combines British Pop with French Rock, the band Archimède bridges the gap between the past and present and the two nations that inspire their music.

Brothers Nicolas and Frédéric Boisnard create songs imbued with The Beatles’ Pop melodies, the catchy guitar Rock of Oasis, the Yéyé vibe of Jacques Dutronc, and Renaud’s irreverent lyrics. Nico sings, plays harmonica, and writes the lyrics (in French, thank you very much), and Fred composes the music and plays guitar. The duo began writing songs as teens in their hometown of Laval in northwest France.

By billing themselves as a POP Rock band, Archimede has gotten the French public and media to take notice. Their music appeals to fans of all ages, including older fans drawn to their lyrics and nostalgic vibe. Their Britpop sensibility makes them accessible to the non-French ear, granting them an even wider fan base.

Archimède

The group’s 2009 self-titled debut is chock full of upbeat Pop and Rock, with a couple of intimate ballads sprinkled in. Nico’s crisp, full-throated delivery helps keep the French lyrics decipherable. (Plus the physical CD comes with the lyrics, so you can sing along.)

The single “L’été Revient” is a bouncy ode to summer in France, noting both the good (fresh air, vacationing in the South of France) and the bad (rail strikes). “À L’ombre” is a heart-wrenching tearjerker, even if you don’t understand the words. The punk spurt at the end of “Décalage Horaire” is just plain fun. And Nico seems to be doing his best Liam Gallagher impersonation on the closing acoustic ballad “Dussè-Je,” which shouldn’t be missed.

The project earned the duo a well-deserved 2010 Victoire de la Musique nomination for Best Album by a New Artist.

With a small budget and lots of creativity, the guys created an extremely clever video for “Vilaine canaille” that features famous album covers from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. It became a YouTube sensation, even in the States. Check it out.

The ballad “Au diable vauvert” is a bit reminiscent of Oasis’ “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” which was either deliberate, or a very, very happy accident.

Download: “L’été Revient,” “Fear Facteur,” “Au diable vauvert,” “Passe Par Paris,” “A l’Ombre”, “Dussè-Je”

Trafalgar

On their sophomore album Trafalgar (as in “Battle of”), Archimède continues to play on the France / England thing, synthesizing both cultures into their music. This time, they go a little less Fab Four and a little more Indie Rock. The result is a more original and varied sound that still appeals to their early fans while maintaining their cross-border appeal.

With a second Victoire de la Musique nomination — this one for Best Rock Album — the boys cemented their place as one of today’s top French bands.

Here’s the video for the single, “Je Prends.”

Download: “L’intrus,” “Je Prends,” “Le Bonheur,” “Les Petites Mains,” “On Aura Tout Essayé”

2014 Album

Arcadie

On their third album, Arcadie, the band worked with a different producer who put a more modern spin on their sound. It’s vibrant and fresh, and maintains the fun, playful energy that’s become their trademark.

Here’s the first single, “Julia.”

Download: I really like the whole album, but standouts include “Julia,” “Toi qui peines au bureau,” “L’amour à perpète,” “Ça fly away,” “Les winners et les branques”

Similar Artists: Marshmallow

What do you think of this French band? Leave a comment below.