Article by Chiara Amendola | Photo by Marco Arici
“Hi, how nice is it to meet again?” This phrase – brandished almost like an advertising slogan – resonates among those present who flocked to Alcatraz for yet another concert of the week, I listen to it and it rings so true, a mantra for yet another event of good music.
The Empress, French band with groovy melodies, has decided to make our world spin so we can continue to make us look at the stars, even if it's 6 degrees outside and the fog recalls the disturbing atmosphere of a horror film.
Ecstasy and psychedelia are the leitmotif of this evening. A live show that brings live to Italy Pulsar the last album, a challenge that managed to transform their sound from something other than excellent background music (a goal already achieved in part by Tako Tsubo). The album gets the dance machine moving again through ten tracks sprinkled with funky desires and a renewed taste for disco.
Today we can say that the reign of The Empress radiates far beyond Versailles. Born in the lands of the French touch, about ten years ago, the Parisian group is constantly growing and is now a point of reference on the world scene.
Personally, my journey into The Empress fandom came about thanks to Spotify's Discover Weekly algorithm – which knows me better than anyone – and, several years ago, featured the song Vanille Fraise on my playlist, maybe because I had just seen Charlotte Gainsbourg at the cinema and was in a French pop disco kind of world. However it worked, from there it was instant love.
The show immediately drags us into a vortex of sonic enchantment, leaving no room for anything other than pure joy. The voice of the new singer Louve it blends perfectly with the band's synths and basslines – a herculean task considering that putting yourself in the shoes of the eclectic Flore Benguigui is not at all easy. However, it cannot be said that he did a bad job, the dynamic between the band members has changed drastically, in this case for the better. The chemistry is palpable with more lively and enthusiastic moments of improvisation. All the new arrangements are very successful and the public's response is highly appreciated.
The intro is entrusted to the new album: Cosmogoniesan almost banal choice given the irresistible sound, Amour Ex Machina, with its peaks almost hungry for boogie, Gives me the same in which words and rhythm are linked in an unlikely porn groove of substance.
From the opening note I have the impression that the band wants to give everything on stage, not just playing but entertaining the audience and consuming all the energy of the room.
Marilù dance becomes a tribute to Italy “This song comes from Naples” and for a moment we hope that Fabiana Martone – with Nu Genea in tow – will reveal herself on stage, but alas it doesn't happen.
There is no shortage of classics in the lineup – Voodoo, Tropical Agitations, The swimming pool – which translate into psychosomatic euphoric dance steps. The fun is not only felt in the audience but also on stage, everywhere I look someone is happy as never before.
The understanding between the group members is as evident as the pleasant distilled restlessness. Each title is followed by applause and roars.
After “finishing” the set, the audience begs for an encore, asking not to end the show already. The band responds without hesitation with Vanille Fraisean interpretation that opens with a dramatic drum solo and lights that cross two mirror balls that illuminate the audience. Everything is illuminated and I perceive so much love around me (and indeed the lemons are wasted).
I return home aware that the concerts of the Empress, far from being a simple performance, are a cathartic and multi-sensory experience, in which dancing, extravagant clothes and good humor are essential, indeed the passepartout to enter their private clubs.
Some artists often focus their efforts on careful staging and instrument care.
Here everything is a question of generosity and sharing.
How satisfying this is.
Click here to look at the photos of the L' Imperatrice concert at Alcatraz in Milan (or browse the gallery below)
THE EMPRESS: the setlist at the concert at Alcatraz in Milan
Cosmogonies
Amour ex Machina
The moon
Blue anomalies
Gives me the same
Voodoo?
Girl!
Holidays
Marilù dance
Sweet & Sublime
Matahari (short version with long intro)
Love From the Other Side
Aerodynamic (Daft Punk cover)
Tropical agitations
Submarine
The swimming pool
Encore:
Peaceful sonatas
Error 404
Vanilla fraise
Piano Track Killer
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
