Review - Zebda: Comme Des Cherokees

A new album by Zebda is something to treasure, and I'm pleased to hear that the new collection by the
Toulouse band - Comme Des Cherokees - lives up to my expectations.

It's their second album since they got back together again in 2011 and it proves that they remain every but as vital as before, and are hopefully back for good.

For a band as politically involved as Zebda, they don't get ideology get in the way of a good tune.
L'Envie kicks the album off in fine upbeat style , A suivre keeps up the pace.

Les Petits Pas has already wormed its way into the ear of anyone whose heard it and if this single came as a shock to those hearing its  70s disco vibe, it  sounds perfectly in context here, there's a celebratory feel to everything here.

But it's not all froth, Zebda have lost none of their punch and retain their smartness  and wit. There's plenty to get your teeth into here.

Zebda remain a band to treasure and this collection sees them at the top of their game.

I can't help but think how great these songs would sound live. If you get the chance to see them, be sure to let me know what I'm missing.

Zebda: Les Petits Pas

A new clip by Zebda, for the track Les Petits Pas, a number with a retro funk flavour that's right up to date.

The band have been working with Yarol Poupaud, of French funk fiends FFF. He's also an experienced producer and has worked with a huge number of French acts, including recently working with Johnny Hallyday as lead guitarist and musical director for his Born Rocker and Jamais Seul tours.

Zebda's comeback two years ago with their album Second tour exceeded most people's expectations, reaching the top three in France.

The band had taken a pause for almost a decade before its release, having been founded in the 80s and enjoying huge success in the 1990s, particularly with their 1998 Essence Ordinaire album.

The band have never shied away from being politically engaged, their last album including the song Une vie de moins which had a video that  led to a row in its depiction of the Israel/Palestine conflict.

But Zebda don't let politics get in the way of a great tune, and in a France currently facing more than its share of political tensions, some music that can help bridge divides is more than welcome.

The new track comes ahead of an album to be entitled Comme des Cherokees, which is  expected out in August 25.

But before that they've got a number of live dates including festivals aroudn France and elsewhere.