French Boutik- The Essential CD. This Paris-based quartet refers to themselves as “Pop Modernistes” and have a truly original and unique vision of modern French pop. It’s an engaging intersection where elegance and power collide to generate a distinctive force of many harmonic faces. These guys sound like a unique combination of influences ranging from '60s icons like Jacques Dutronc and The Kinks to early punk and powerpop from the Buzzcocks to The Boys and The Jam, but with all the French Boutik trademarks that they’ve crafted over the years. These 4 sharp dressers take the moderniste element of their tagline seriously and avoid retro déjà vu while still maintaining a clear nod to their 1960’s/’70’s influences. And the result is a delightful and clever concoction of strong melodies, harmony drenched vocals, slightly psychedelic guitars, a bevy of swirling Hammond organs, and sharp, poignant Franco- English lyrics. The CD compiles all their vinyl singles and includes two additional bonus tracks. UK import.