Nous Non Plus Issue #38

Managerie (Aeronaut)

By Molly Lynch
Published: December 1st, 2008 | 12:00am

It’s hard to picture five Yankees and a Swiss-German creating pulsating ‘60s French pop songs that eerily resemble the sounds of Prince or Gogol Bordello. But that’s just what NYC-based band Nous Non Plus (translation: Us No More) have accomplished with the forthcoming Menagerie.

Formerly known as Les Sans Culottes (translation: Without Pants), the band’s catchy beats have already snagged a top 10 spot on the CMJ charts and scored some play time on CW hit, Gossip Girl.

Despite its oddity, the band’s sophomore effort delivers a surprisingly broad range of emotions. While most of the songs on Menagerie are generally sweat-inducing and kitschy (check out tracks “Catastrophe” and “Mais Maitenant Il Faut Danser” to dance your ass off), Nous Non Plus doesn’t go without a few subdued tracks for winding down (give a listen to “Sunlight Yellow Noise”). The only tune that falls short is the final one, “Bollinger,” which feels like it could be heard at a grocery store or in an elevator. Despite the underwhelming finale, one thing is for sure — Menagerie is a glam pop gem that shouldn’t be overlooked.

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