Nouvelle Vague

So, I'm not sure if it's a snobbery thing going on, a misguided preconception, an inherent built-in reluctance or just a discriminatory flaw in my psyche, but I have never fancied seeing a tribute band or a covers band for that matter. I've always thought there's too much good stuff to see anyway without having to resort to a lookie-likey or someone who's potentially going to murder one of your favourite tunes. Why have a knock-off, fake, imitation or pastiche when you can have the real thing? I know in certain cases you can't have the real thing. You can't see Pink Floyd, The Smiths, The Beatle etc., but you can see some cracking new acts instead, so why wallow in nostalgia? 

A French New Wave covers band that incorporates all that New Wave can mean, including a large slice of Bosa Nova, that dare to even attempt such highly regarded, cherished and seminal songs in their set as 'Love Will Tear Us Apart' and 'Guns Of Brixton' is either a great place to start or utter madness. Thankfully, it is not the latter. Having discovered Nouvelle Vague many years ago when hunting for material that would get people scratching their heads over a very competitive after dinner game of 'intros', I have never looked back. Tonight, however, was the first time I'd caught them live. 

To celebrate fifteen years since the release of their self-titled debut album, Nouvelle Vague have embarked on a sizable tour in celebration. Tonight the NV party came to The Ballroom at Dreamland in Margate. After a balmy Easter Saturday's weather that saw the golden sands, amusements and promenades of Margate bustling with Bank Holiday crowds, it was time for something a little more surreal in the Art Deco splendour of Dreamland. 

Continue reading: Nouvelle Vague - The Ballroom, Dreamland, Margate 20.04.2019 Live Review