SAINT ETIENNE

Suffice it to say that Saint Etienne have never been bashful about their status as one of the original prime purveyors of retro bliss pop.  Even in venturing into a new sonic direction with arrangements by post-Krautrock darlings To Rococo Rot and The High Llamas' Sean O'Hagan on their most recent album, Sound of Water, the band's music remains as charming and catchy as ever. So, unlike many artists who prefer not to play older material in favor of the newer, Saint Etienne's set list embraced a number of their oldest (and most beloved) hits. Rousing renditions of "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," "Like a Motorway," and "Nothing Can Stop Us Now," were performed to the delight of the audience alongside new songs "Boy Is Crying," "Heart Failed (In the Back of a Taxi)," and "Sycamore" from Sound of Water. Unfortunately, this was the slight downside of the performance: the band seemed to opt for a set list that was heavy on the crowd favorites, at the expense of some of their better material. But, then again, isn't that what pop bands are all about? Also noteworthy was the use of back-up singers clad in hip-huggers, playing tambourines and cowbells, and engaging in perfectly-rehearsed 60s dance moves. Something that would be nearly laughable in other bands was well-suited to the kitschy cuteness Saint Etienne is known for. They did an excellent job in entertaining their fans, which presumable was every intention of the band for this tour.