They are fantastic and even the other members of the band watch on as they do their swing thing, especially during the unanimous crowd favourite ‘Lone Digger’.Ĭaravan Palace have destroyed any apprehensions as to their new ventures, proving no matter where they take their sound, they still deliver a scintillating performance. This tried and tested mechanic never gets old and gets a loud cheer every time it occurs. Playing trombone, saxophone and clarinet, they make their way to centre stage at least once a song. Martin Berlugue and Lucas Saint-Cricq prove to be stars of the show. These recent tracks sound like they have been picked straight from a beach party playlist, and everyone from front of stage to the upper floors are up and dancing. They merge wonderfully with the older tracks littered through the night. New songs ‘Miracle’, ‘Moonshine’ and ‘Plume’ win the previously apprehensive crowd over with ease and sound incredible. With very few breaks, the party doesn’t stop. They are one of the rare bands with choreographed dance pieces that don’t have to be a guilty pleasure.ĭrawing from albums old and new, they manage to fill the set with every hit. Yet their set is so tight and polished, even down to the rehearsed dance numbers from delightful lead singer Zoe Colotis. With all band members dancing around the stage and manoeuvring to various instruments, you could be forgiven for thinking you are watching these incredible musicians just jamming. They have the playful stage presence of bands like Hot Chip. They are more than just a music show, they are a full cabaret of light, sound and movement. Any concern that they may not have maintained the whimsical delight of earlier shows is instantly forgotten.

From the get go, their energy is infectious. The Albert Hall is the perfectly decadent setting for Caravan Palace. Chronologic is more pop or summer house than past albums, but I’m not here to review the album so I find a seat on the balcony and wait for the show to begin.

I have to say, I share their apprehension as to whether the show will live up to the wild and wonderful live video recordings from previous years. These conversations were not ecstatic at the departure from the electro swing of old. While waiting in line for a drink, I overhear several conversations about the dramatic turn that Caravan Palace have made with their most recent album Chronologic.

Caravan palace tour 2019