Live Review: Rykarda Parasol, Elephone, French Disco, & Dora Flood
Cafe Du Nord, 1/5/07

Words and Photos by Emily Logan

Rykarda Parasol - "Hannah Leah " mp3

Elephone - "Moving Beds " mp3

I don't mind going to shows alone. Sometimes it's nice not to have someone yelling in your already ringing ear and distracting you from the music. But when there are four bands playing, there's a lot of down time between sets to sit on a bar stool and hope someone comes and talks to you.

Fortunately, Friday night's show at Cafe Du Nord featured four bands that kept me interested, which made the wait for the next band easier to bear.

I admit, I arrived a bit late (another down side to solitude—no one to pick you up so you get there on time) and missed most of Dora Flood's set. The crowd was still a bit sparse, but Dora seemed to do their job of keeping everyone excited.

During the set change I drank a Paulaner and tried making conversation with a lone German girl who wasn't having it. The DJ warmed up the crowd with “Burning Down the House” and “Pass the Dutchie.” French Disco was next.
The band represented themselves just as their music would suggest. They were solid and well-rehearsed with a hipster air. Singer Myriam de la Jara was lean and feminine. She moved in jerky but adorable movements and seemed dejected, not detracting from her vocal elegance.

Bassist John Dumont was fantastically excited for the entire performance, which was a highlight. Their set included “Idoles du soir,” and “Icon,” but unfortunately left out my favorite, “Sugar.” The band ended appropriately with “Heaven.”

Elephone came on shortly after, which was the best part of the show. The band was exuberant and relatable on stage. Singer/guitarist Ryan Lambert's voice pounded through the speakers and he didn't hold back, which gave him an irresistible edge, and drummer Lily Faden's drumming was rock-solid and just amazing. If this band doesn't continue to increase in popularity, I may lose my faith in the system.

Finally, Rykarda Parasol and the Tower Ravens came to the stage. The band was dressed all in black with boutonnières displayed on their chests to match Parasol's corsage, like a group of hip goth kids going to their prom. Parasol was striking, as always, as her small and delicate frame produced her characteristically rich and deep voice.

Parasol's vocal talent was clear during the show, even if the audience's energy seemed to dwindle as the set progressed. Again the bass player stole the show for me—Zach Brewer was pensive and incredibly fun to watch. Guitarist Wymond Miles demonstrated his skills with a violin bow, and Sara Miles from Wymond's other band The Spirit Children sang guest vocals on the haunting “Hannah Leah.”

Ultimately, there couldn't have been a better show to see alone. As French Disco bravely proclaimed: “Je ne regret rien”: “I regret nothing.”