If Housse de Racket were suffering any stage fright over their first-ever performance in New York, it didn’t show. The French electro-pop duo opened on Thursday, December 8th with “Human Nature” and “Château” from their second album Alesia, released this year on famed French label Kitsuné. They were also ready to impress with harder-hitting tracks like “Synthétiseur”, though they’ve clearly moved on to a more sophisticated sound. Finishing their set with “Aquarium”, one of their more ambitious songs clocking in at nearly seven minutes, Housse de Racket showed the crowd at Webster Hall (QRO venue review) what they’re made of.
Click here for photos of Yelle at Rough Trade NYC in Brooklyn, NY on September 29th, 2017
Click here for photos of Yelle at 2015 Full Moon Festival in Brooklyn, NY
Click here for photos of Yelle at 2014 Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin, TX
Click here for photos of Yelle at Wiltern in Los Angeles, CA on November 13th, 2011
Click here for photos of Yelle at Bottom Lounge in Chicago, IL on May 6th, 2011
Click here for photos of Yelle at Irving Plaza in New York, NY on April 30th, 2011
As for the main event, producers GrandMarnier and Tepr took the stage first before frontwoman/namesake Yelle emerged in a haunting sequence, seemingly dressed as Cousin It. After getting rid of her tasseled coat, the trio then kicked the party off with their translated cover of Robyn’s (QRO photos) “Who’s That Girl” (“Qui est cette fille” in French). Yelle, a.k.a. Julie Budet, was clearly the star of the show, bringing out the vibrant personality of her songs with her active stage presence and eye-catching outfits. On the first of two sold-out shows in New York, the band tore through older favorites such as “Je veux te voir” and “Ce Jeu” with aplomb, while also taking on the more sentimental tone of Safari Disco Club songs “Chimie physique” and “Comme un Enfant”. The set was capped off with “Cooler Couleur” and “À cause des garçons”, surely satisfying everyone in the audience’s need for French dance music.