Yelle is pure, unabashed and unadulterated, bliss. Criminally unforgettable beats pulsating behind girlish yelps and chants belted like rallying cries–cries capable of inciting dance floor frenzies regardless the audience’s ability to understand French. It’s quirky, synthesized disco-pop with just the right amount of spunk to catapult it across language barriers. “The main idea,” says producer/mastermind GrandMarnier, “is to dance and cry at the same time.”
Fronted by the namesake mademoiselle and backed by producer duo GrandMarnier (Jean-Francois Perrier) and Tepr (Tanguy Destable), Yelle returned in March of 2011 to release their second French-language album upon American ears, proving their unique gift to craft irresistible and exciting dance music. For non-French speakers, which is likely most of us that will pack the Wonder Ballroom on Sunday, May 15th, it’s a true emotional response to Yelle’s music that makes us want to dance without understanding and keeps us coming back for more.
In some two years away from the road, the band focused their energies on creating a united yet distinct sophomore album. “Pop-Up was produced differently: We did ‘Je Veux Te Voir’ first, then we waited two or three months, then started another song,” says GrandMarnier. “Safari Disco Club is a more fluid, cohesive album that you can listen to from the first track to the last.”
That’s not to say that there aren’t a vast potpourri of electronic styles present–from New Wave synths to tropical rhythms to Chicago house and electronic composition. And, just as 2007′s Pop Up spawned several dance floor hits on both sides of the Atlantic, this year’s Safari Disco Club lacks naught; there are no shortages of dance cuts or intricate energy. Watch the double video for the lead single “Safari Disco Club” followed by “Que veux-tu” plus find a few of the childishly alluring English translations here:
On stage the enthusiasm persists. With an oversized Y in a circle like an inverted peace sign at their backs, the trio’s wild vivacity will leave you breathless. OMN had the opportunity to exchange an email with Yelle (aka Julie Budet) just days after their searing performance at Coachella at the end of last month.
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