Stereo Total Issue #33

Paris Berlin (Kill Rock Stars)

By Dean Ramos
Published: September 1st, 2007 | 12:00am

Stepping out of an old ’60s new-wave film, Stereo Total returns with Paris Berlin, a title that not only describes the release to a tee (songs are sung in English, German, or French), but also aptly describes the band, which consists of the duo Françoise Cactus and Brezel Göring.

Not a single drum beat, guitar riff, or keystroke is wasted, making Paris Berlin a solid collection of clever, charming, and kinetic pop songs with an obviously European flare. Combining elements of synth, new wave, punk, disco, and ’60s pop in their own signature style, Cactus and Göring refuse to be put in a box. From sweet ’80s numbers like “Lolita Fantôme” to the Chubby Checker-influenced “Plus Minus Null,” even Prince-like funk isn’t off the table as sultry dance tunes like “Mehr Licht” prove. Other standouts on a disc chock full of them include the beatnik-era “Relax Baby, Be Cool” and the sophisticatedly bouncy “Ich Bin Der Stricherjunge.” In fact, by album closer “Moderne Musik,” listeners will discover that the record’s only real flaw is that it hasn’t once given listeners the chance to catch their breath with a single filler track.

So for those looking for a quintessentially pop European experience, look no further than the Paris Berlin express. After 12 years and eight records, few could show you around better.