Les Ogres de Barback e La Rue Kétanou

Les Ogres de Barback are kind of like the French version of the Family Von Trapp, except far more entertaining, far better lyricists and, just to top it off, each member is multi-instrumental. Ok, the only real similarity between Les Ogres de Barback and the Von Trapps is the sibling element, but nonetheless my point is that this band rocks and you should definitely go and see them.

Les Ogres de Barback produces amazingly entertaining French music, which is instantly likeable and infinitely listenable. It would be far too time consuming to list all of the various instruments that band members Fred, Sam, Alice and Mathilde have mastered and employ during there shows, but to leave you suitably impressed I’ll say this: each member of the band can play one or more instruments from the brass, strings and percussion sections.

As intimidating as the band’s musical talents might be, a Les Ogres show is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Songs like “Les Voyageurs” and “Ma Fille” are fascinating to watch. The melodies and lyrics are so fast it’s a wonder that the band is able to play and sing at the same time. Couple this with the theatrical lighting and performers the band has been known to bring on for their performances (I saw an aerial silk performance at one of their gigs) and you have a real spectacle on your hands. A spectacle that you will definitely love.

La Rue Ketanou is possibly one of the most chilled out music/theatre groups of all time. I had the huge pleasure of watching them at Parc Du Valigot in Etaples, France, back in July 2014. These guys are the definition of good-humoured jokers and wonderfully talented musicians on stage - they'll make jokes at the expense of themselves and the audience alike, they'll pause in the middle of acts to laugh at something one of them has just done, and they'll keep you terrifically entertained the entire time they do it.

They began by jumping on stage and getting the crowd really pumped - they've recently been touring with two new members, Pierre and Simone, so some short introductions were made to the sound of 'La Guitare Sud Americain', and then the real performance began. Since they're half a theatre comedy troupe, a lot of their music has comedic elements to it, and the lyrics are so catchy that you find yourself singing along to every melody regardless of how many times you've listened to the songs.

These guys are the definition of a good time. They're fun, they're fresh, and they've got nothing to prove - they're out there on stage to show people how to have a blast, and they do an incredibly good job of showing off their own musical abilities while they do. Definitely a concert I would love to attend again in the future.