So this was the gig that I advertised a couple of weeks ago. And it was an absolute corker. There was a great turnout from ULIP - 16 people came overall. 

Marques Toliver kicked off proceedings with a lovely little set and even got down from the stage and went to perform in and amongst the crowd. Very soulful voice, talented violinist - good act. I caught up with him after the show and asked if he fancied performing for the ULIP Radio Live Lounge, sadly his schedule does not permit it. Another time!

Next up was Theme Park - the London based group. They were absolutely great. It takes a lot for me to speak highly of indie bands: just not really my kind of music. But Theme Park have converted me. Their songs are catchy and their live performance was spot on - even the normally subdued French crowd seemed to be enjoying themselves. I had a chat after the gig with Miles, the lead singer who tells me that they are recording their album - big news for all Theme Park fans. So watch this space. In the meantime, here's the music video to their best known track, Milk.

Theme Park were followed by 'Friends' a cheeky little pop band from Brooklyn. By this point, the ULIP contingent had put away a few beers and were fairly merry. This lead to some rowdy behaviour, heckling and removal of clothing. Anyway, mixed reviews for Friends, I felt that they would have been a better support act and Theme Park should have played last. However, it we came to a unanimous decision that the lead singer is sexy. That said, they were good fun to watch, and as Emma Goulden (BA3) pointed out - their songs weren't too long - which meant we didn't get bored. Anyway, Friends have been championed by Fearne Cotton on Radio 1, and her opinion is most definitely a valid one. So I will leave you with my favourite Friends track, its called Friend Crush. Here's to many more ULIP gig nights!

Make sure you don't miss this gig on Wednesday 1st February at the Fleche D'Or. Firstly, this is at a great venue, La Fleche D'Or is a converted train station, which is pretty frigging sweet wouldn't ya say. Also, Friends + Theme Park are two great bands not to miss. Friends are a Brooklyn based pop group, rising popularity, good choons bla bla bla etc. However, I reckon Theme Park are the ones to watch. From the same school in London as Bombay Bicycle Club, they retain some kind of indie-pop pedigree. But they are by no means a product of Bombay's fame. Louis Bhose, bassist for Theme Park also happens to play with Bombay...the links between the two bands are fairly obvious. Theme Park's biggest record so far has been "Milk" which sounds like it came straight off an old Bombay EP. Anyhow, they are great band, one of my predictions for bands to watch this year and they are also really really really good live. So get your tickets in advance for only 10 Euros and see you there next Wednesday.

http://www.flechedor.fr/2012/2/1/SOIREE-COOPERATIVE-MUSIC-FRIENDS-THEME-PARK/