French Films played NYC Popfest & Glasslands w/ The Secret History who have a new LP (pics, video)

June 6, 2013

photos by Amanda Hatfield; words by Bill Pearis

French Films @ Glasslands 6/5/2013

One of the best new bands I saw at NYC Popfest last weekend was Finland’s French Films. Their set was easily the highlight of Sunday’s all-day Littlefield show, bringing a needed rock n’ roll element (and youthful energy) to a day that leaned more towards the precious. Wearing leather jackets and denim, they weren’t your typcial Popfest band, though they definitely don’t skimp on the hooks. The band’s new album, White Orchid, is loaded with the kind of uber-catchy guitar pop that filled John Hughes soundtracks in the ’80s and they play them with a manic, rough energy onstage that’s not unlike Palma Violets (though they sound nothing like them). I really wanted to catch one of their other NYC shows this week but it was not to be. Luckily, BV photographer Amanda Hatfield made the trek to Glasslands last night (6/5) to catch them. There’s also video (courtesy of Bleary Eyed Brooklyn) of their popfest performance. Let’s hope they come back soon.

The night was also a record release party for locals (and fellow Popfest performers) The Secret History whose new album, Americans Singing In The Dark, is out now. The band, formed from the ashes of much-missed My Favorite, make the sort of grandiose pop that aims for heart, feeling and more than a little drama (not unlike Stars). At Sunday’s Littlefield show, they gave the crowd a couple My Favorite songs as well. You can stream a few songs from the new Secret History album below.

Newish band Hints opened the Glasslands show which had Kip from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart on DJ duty all evening. More pictures from Glasslands below…

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