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Time-traveling pop with ST Etienne
ST Etienne came out of early 90s London, fusing club beats, 60s pop sparkle, and film-score mood into bright, bittersweet songs. Their studio cuts lean on samples and crisp drum machines, while the show swaps in warm synths and live percussion for a softer glow.
Chorus hooks, crate-dug roots
Expect a set that pulls from Foxbase Alpha, So Tough, and stand-alone singles, with likely moments for Nothing Can Stop Us, Only Love Can Break Your Heart, He's on the Phone, and Like a Motorway. The crowd mixes longtime indie dancers and newer pop heads, with smart jackets, vintage trainers, and tote bags near the front, and you will hear gentle singalongs on the big choruses.Screens, samples, and shared nostalgia
A neat bit of trivia: the melody of Like a Motorway traces back to the folk song Silver Dagger, and the band often runs location-shaped archival film loops behind them. Another: their breakthrough cover Only Love Can Break Your Heart used a guest vocalist before their current voice joined, a marker of how open their method has been. These set and production ideas come from past shows and may not match the exact night you see.Scenes from a gentle dancefloor
The room feels like a low-key club night, with people in vintage sportswear, tidy coats, and small crossbody bags that leave hands free to clap. You will see Heavenly-era tees, Foxbase Alpha totes, and 12-inch single artwork reprinted on scarves and posters.
Retro cues, friendly energy
Fans tend to nod through deep cuts and then move as one on the big choruses, with crisp handclaps on Nothing Can Stop Us and a joyful shout when He's on the Phone kicks in. Between songs, folks trade release-year trivia and favorite B-sides, and a few carry old tour photobooks like zines.Collecting memories, not trophies
It is a polite, curious crowd that still loves a dance, and the energy rises without elbows when a classic piano riff drops. The night ends with smiles and light chatter about bus routes and afterparties, which fits a band that tells city stories in warm colors.Hooks, pads, and pulse power
On stage, ST Etienne keeps the vocals light and intimate, letting consonants sit back so the rhythm carries the motion. Keys and samplers sketch the chords in soft pads, while a live drummer or programmed kit locks a steady four-on-the-floor that sits under bright handclaps.
Airy voice, anchored groove
Arrangements often trim intros and add breakdowns, turning songs like He's on the Phone into short rushes with a clean reset before the final chorus. Mid-tempo pieces such as Avenue get more space, with extra bars for synth swells so the story lands without losing momentum.Small tweaks, big feel
A small, nerdy detail: they sometimes run older tracks a notch slower live than on record, which deepens the bass and leaves room for harmony lines. The band supports the core melodies by doubling hooks on synth and guitar, and they use gentle color washes and film loops to frame the sound without stealing focus.Kindred spirits on the road
If you like Pet Shop Boys, you will likely enjoy ST Etienne for the clean synth lines, dry humor, and bittersweet club pacing. Stereolab overlaps on the motorik thump and retro-future tones, though they stretch grooves longer while ST Etienne leans into pop-length stories.