Alternative-pop duo Neil Frances began their headlining tour all over Northern California a week ago and danced their way over to the Fonda Theatre on Saturday for a night of falsetto feels and bassline grooves. Their danceable spin on electronic music perhaps sits somewhere in the middle of the Bee Gees and Kavinsky, with hummable melodies, some throwback production and even futuristic effects. If anything, it was a treat to hear them as a full band playing dance songs.
Tampa, FL native and now LA-based singer-songwriter and producer Luke Wild got the night started in a white tank top and black jacket for his blend of upbeat indie-rock with punk-pop mixed in. Wild smiled frequently during his set, stood with confidence and he was clearly happy to be on stage, asking how psyched the fans were for Neil Frances, he complimented them and with gratitude shared it was the biggest gig he’s ever had. The mid-tempo “Easier To Lie” included a guitar battle between Wild and his bass player by the end of the energetic song. Ballad “Pack A Punch” had a reflective vibe and Luke Wild’s pop-punk song “Sting Ray” (unreleased) had a 90s rock aura, with Wild going in and out of rapping, standing up on his gear by the end of the song.
Evelyn “Champagne” King’s early-80s smash “Love Come Down” blasted the soundsystem fittingly before Neil Frances took the stage. Neil Frances’ set took off with a mysterious voice message and the guys entered the stage wearing all-white, joined by two fantastic musicians, drummer Rhythm Luna and bassist Greg Cham for the 80s-inspired “It’s Like A Dream”. The drums and bass hit hard and singer Marc Gilfry set the melodic tone joining producer Jordan Feller for a little extended instrumental version.
The sparkling “Games” was next, an airy track with a dreamy vocal from Gilfry, joined by Feller hitting a drumstick to his pad, feeling the energy of the welcoming song. Feller took over the keys, while Gilfry played guitar on the funky “Show Me The Right”, while lights flickered on four shoulder-height cubes. Gilfry gave a shout to bass player Greg Cham who completely dominated the song. The crowd was feeling the bounce of the funked-up “Downtown”, a sexy song with memorable percussion, a 70s guitar vamp, a lot of hi-hat and 90s beats. It should be mentioned that some of Neil Frances’ recorded songs sound a lot more chill on the records, but they truly come alive with multiple textures when played live.
New track “Finding Rhythm” off brand new debut album There Is No Neil Frances was up next. Though featured vocalist GRAE wasn’t there, the synthesizer was strong on this moody yet exciting bop, with standout guitars, a very danceable melody and there is just something very new wave/Blondie about it.
Gilfry’s falsetto was strong on “These Days”, giving some Bee Gees vibes while the funky guitars and drums contrasted the delicate vocals. Featured vocalist Benny Sings also was not present, however Neil Frances did their new track “When I Become Someone” justice with a killer groove, heavy drums and a lot of womp womp on the funky tune. It was one of the best of the night, sounding simply amazing live.
“I’m In Love With You”, Neil Frances’ collab with Poolside was next, which they announced as a slow song to “grab a loved one and chill out” to. Gilfry brought some 60s garage band vibes to this ballad, infusing some Frankie Valli energy.
The “Mr Blue” rhythm kept fans shaking and then came the live punch of “Falling For You”, with stellar instrumentation, production and vocals. A super powerful cowbell brought the heat as well. It was one of the best of the night and Rhythm Luna was owning the beat.
The set shifted slightly to more rock (but still danceable throughout) with “Better Way” with a bit of a garage rock sound. “Ask Me Anything” continued the indie-rock portion of the set. Then an electric version of “Be Free” took over The Fonda with red lighting soaking the stage and crowd. The vamp took hold of the crowd, with Neil Frances milking it on their slickly-produced song with clever percussion. It was like a spaceship hit the venue, with the intensity of the drums as the whole place erupted like never before with dancing through strobe lights. It got a little loud by the end, but the song was probably intended to shock the system a bit.
Neil Frances’ stunning cover of 1998 Stardust track “Music Sounds Better With You” kept things intergalactic. The bassline was perfection, so were the charming keys and some trippy percussion as the extended version delighted fans and showcased elements of the 70s, 80s and 90s.
The foursome left the stage for about 15 seconds and returned for an encore including the mid-tempo “Teardrops” followed by the crowdpleaser “Dumb Love”, a solid finale with highlighted guitar effects and lively drums. Feller went into the crowd and rode a fans’ shoulders as Gilfry tried his best not to laugh, singing out the final lyrics. “In The Starlight” was played as the crowd danced themselves out on one funky Saturday night.
Neil Frances continues their tour tonight at the Constellation Room in Santa Ana, CA, before heading all over North America.
Neil Frances Live Dates
1.31.2022 Santa Ana, CA at Constellation Room
2.1.2022 Phoenix, AZ at Crescent
2.2.2022 Santa Fe, NM at Meow Wolf
2.4.2022 Forth Worth, TX at Tulips
2.5.2022 Austin, TX at Antone’s
2.6.2022 Houston TX, at White Oak Music Hall
2.8.2022 Atlanta, GA at Terminal West
2.10.2022 Washington, DC at Union Stage
2.11.2022 Philadelphia, PA at Foundry
2.12.2022 Brooklyn, NY at Music Hall of Williamsburg
2.15.2022 Boston, MA at The Sinclair
2.16.2022 Toronto, ON at Velvet Underground
2.17.2022 Detroit, MI at El Club
2.18.2022 Chicago, IL at Lincoln Hall
2.19.2022 Minneapolis, MN at Fine Line
2.21.2022 Denver, CO at Bluebird
2.22.2022 Salt Lake City, UT at Kilby Court
2.24.2022 Vancouver, BC at Fortune
2.25.2022 Seattle, WA at Neumos
2.26.2022 Portland, OR at Dour Fir Lounge
Photos by Michael Menachem.
