Caravan Palace | 04.07.2014 | The Gothic Theatre | Englewood, CO

Caravan Palace at the Gothic TheatrE, Englewood, CO

04/07/2014

Words By: Jessica Shagalski

Photos By: Mandy Heath

Additional Photos By: Bertrand VACARISAS РPhotographe R̩alisateur

 

On Monday night at the Gothic Theatre, Colorado welcomed the French musicians, Caravan Palace. This six-piece band, hailing from Paris and originally formed to create music for silent adult films, brought with them a fun-filled, refreshing, eclectic style of electro-swing, and dance moves to match.

Even more impressive, the band has a stage presence like no other. Each member brings a different element of excitement that keeps the fans entertained and enthused. The chemistry between them sparkles off the stage. Front woman, Zoé Colotis, combines scat-style vocals and charming dance moves that invite everyone, even the rest of the band, to move with her. Her cute costume changes bring flair and grace to the performance.

Caravan Palace infuses club beats, with Zoe’s vocals, along with a clarinet, violin, upright bass, and a vibraphone, creating sounds that uplift the soul. The band’s instrumental, jazzy rhythms possess an air of old-school swing music, and the transitions in and out of wild electronic house beats show they are not completely stuck in the past.

During the show members of the band all looked like they were having a ball, grooving to the beat and having righteous dance-offs against each other throughout their songs. Energetic fans had filled the theatre, draped in get-ups representative of the swing era. The men came out looking dapper in suits and hats, while the women dressed classy, in fun retro dresses and the complementary accessories. And when the band came out, the urge to jive was irresistible–the crowd broke out into a dancing frenzy!

At different points, members of the band played back and forth with each other, exploring fun solos and crazy, rave-style breakdowns. Sharp sound after note floated throughout the room and when the show concluded, the audience screamed for more, before the band thanked everyone, along with complimenting someone wearing a robot costume who was then invited on stage to take part in a photograph of them and the crowd. Backstage, Zoe had the opportunity to put the costume on and posed for a photo with an oversized joint in hand, clearly demonstrating the freedom given to her by newfound legislation in Colorado. This photo was later posted to their Facebook with the caption, “Yeah Colorado!”

After the show the liveliness of the crowd continued out the doors. Even with the music stopped people kept the joint jumping. Everyone was still dancing and smiling. I can honestly say I have never been to a live show that has lifted me to such high spirits. Caravan Palace’s jazz inspired tunes, carefully executed dance moves, and talented musicianship created an enjoyable experience, which to me was a breath of fresh air.

As the band continues on their tour in the United States, with only a few shows remaining, it makes sense to encourage them to come back soon. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out the charming, experimental style of electro-swing, I recommend this band. Hopefully they’ll open you up to a whole new world of excitement.  Revenir bientôt, Caravan Palace! Nous vous aimons!

Backstage, Zoe had the opportunity to put the costume on and posed for a photo with an oversized joint in hand, clearly demonstrating the freedom given to her by newfound legislation in Colorado. This photo was later posted to their Facebook with the caption, “Yeah Colorado!”