Hailing from Quebec The New Cities first burst onto the Canadian music scene a little over 12 months ago, in that time they have released their debut album 'Lost in City Lights' which has so far spawned three hit singles. The first: 'Dead End Countdown' successfully set the tone for what fans can expect from this up tempo electro pop rock outfit.

The New Cities consists of no less than six members with David Brown on lead vocals, Christian Bergeron on guitar, Julien Martre on bass and vocals, Phil La Chance on drums plus Francis Fugere and Nick Denis on Keyboards and synths. You might think that this seems rather like an over crowded party - that is until you here the finished result which is a wall of pounding electronic rock.

The New Cities have just finished their second UK jaunt, this time supporting Emo rockers Twenty Twenty on their first headlining tour. I caught up with singer Dave Brown and Keyboard whiz Nick Denis for an interview ahead of their set at Manchester's Roadhouse this week.

The New Cities bring you a wall of pounding electronic rock

The Interview

KD: The album has been released in Canada first, what was the reaction over there?

KD:Your first single was 'Dead End Countdown'. Will that be the first single to be released here?

KD: You seem to have an audience predominately of young teenage girls, was that your intention?

KD: And how do you feel about gaining that sort of audience with regards to credibility?

KD: You have stated your influences as The Faint and Death From Above 1979

KD: You are supporting Twenty Twenty tonight and have been supporting several bands in Canada. Do you have any plans for a headline act?

KD: You have also done some festival shows in Canada and US, and with the Anniversaries of Download and Glastonbury this year do you have any plans for some festival appearances in Europe ?

KD: I've noticed the use of Auto-Tune on the vocals

KD: How do you get around those tracks in your live shows?

KD: I’ve been reading some fan's comments about online, apparently you have “freaky eyes”

KD: One thing they ALL agree on is how good your live shows are, so if you had an unlimited budget and a bigger venue, what would you change.

KD: So it's never gonna be 6 guys sat on stools?

KD: And finally what are your plans for the immediate future?

And then it was time for the Gig

The charismatic lead singer won’t be the only one looking forward to another UK tour for the New Cities.

As he and his musical accomplices teetered onto the tiny stage at this decidedly cramped venue what then ensued was a barrage of high energy synthesised rock. And though the other act on the bill Twenty Twenty did have some gusto to their pop/rock offerings it certainly lacked the originality and creativity of their Canadian Support act. This is due in part to The New Cities knack for creating instantly recognisable synth riffs along with -cant help but sing along to- lyrics, something the enigmatic front man encourages whole heartedly. After the opening number (a new track from the album they already have) the small put perfectly formed crowd of young girls were jumping for joy as Brown clambered onto a precariously placed amp, seemingly mimicking the actions of a deranged ape.

But for all Browns swinging & fist pumping and Keyboardist Nicks maniacal head banging, this slick live performance couldn't be further removed from derangement. Its well rehearsed rock n roll theatrics. Highlights of the relatively short lived performance were the impossibly catchy 'Hypertronic Superstar' and the compounding 'X-Revoloution'

There is no doubt whatsoever that when this band do get a record deal in the UK the mass familiarity that will know doubt ensue with these radio friendly songs will only go to making their already engaging live performances even more enjoyable. However for now we can enjoy these intimate surroundings safe in the knowledge you heard them first.
 
It seems quite unfair that The New Cities have so far gained an audiences of predominently young girls, because not being the most perspicacious of critics it can often turn more discerning music enthusiasts away before the first listen, and this band deserves a first listen by as wide an audience as possible.

In general I consider myself to be somewhat stringent with my praise, but praise indeed is what should be bestowed on the New Cities. For a band in their relative infancy to deliver a first album of quality and commercialism and to be able to perform the electro production methods  completely live to the level they do and with the very limited facilities provided by the venue deserves merit.

As for the future the boys will be performing a live showcase in Paris before heading back over to their native soil for their first headlining tour.

Further UK dates have yet to be confirmed but when they are I can recommend you grab a ticket.

...this band deserves a first listen by as wide an audience as possible.