Bordeaux: So Hot Right Now

France's Bordeaux-Arcachon-Libourne metro area has always provided fertile ground for fine art of all types, and no lie, it's also home to the world's most powerful laser (Laser Mégajoule). Here we look at what else is hot in the Aquitaine region.

Monade (the nom de plume of Laetitia Sadier when she isn't fronting Stereolab) released sophomore effort Monstre Cosmic via bob digital channels, iTunes, et al yesterday. Originally starting out as her bedroom-recording project, Monade is now a delightfully swoony four-piece beast based near Bordeaux; and an ideal audio accompaniment for relaxing on the Côte d'Argent or selecting top gear market produce.


Monade - Regarde


While they might initially lose points for citing The Strokes as major influences, it's important to note that the members of Kid Bombardos are still actual kids who've absorbed various trickles of garage hipster runoff over the last few years and amazingly managed to create something non-derivative. Well played messieurs.


Kid Bombardos - I Round The Bend

They've got beats for days on the MySpace, including a nasty alternate acoustic version of "I Round The Bend" that sounds like The Bees on holiday. Thanks to Bibadibi for the tip.