FASTER THAN THE MUSIC

Vialka are part of a diminishing breed of bands whose art closely imitates life. This currently France-based nomadic duo has been traversing the globe, touring through over forty-five countries, averaging one-hundred shows per year for the past seven years (you do the math). And now Vialka are once more gracing Australian shores.

As if the duo’s prolific schedule wasn’t enough, Vialka have collaborated with a rollcall of underground artists too long to list, notably including Damo Suzuki (of CAN fame), and have recently added a new baby to their troupe. Marylise Frenchville and Eric Boros’s frenzied, almost super-human lifestyle translates directly into their musical stylings—a frenetic, post-punk, turbo-gypsy-folk explosion that draws inspiration from traditional and underground music from around the planet. The sense of haste, excitement and anxiety that is imbued in Vialka’s art almost lets the listener into a day in the life.

The same translation applies to Vialka’s stage act, which has become a thing of legend. It is finely orchestrated, uninhibited chaos. Eric’s melodic, virtuoso guitar playing feeds Marylise’s percussive spectacle, skilfully tumbling through complex syncopation into jazz-punk stabs and neo-folk flows. The two share vocals in a renownedly unpredictable, high-energy, sometimes-cabaret performative extravaganza that leaves any audience breathless.

Vialka are trekking down under on the back of their aptly named 2007 release Plus Vite Que La Musique (a French expression, literally translated to “Faster than the Music”). The duo plays one Brisbane show only on Wednesday April 16 at the Tongue and Groove Café, presented by Making Hey. They will be joined by a local line-up including Do the Robot and special guests. Tickets are strictly limited, and are available from makinghey.com ($10 / more at the door if available). Come, leave your preconceptions at the door.