Quite a few indie bands have gotten under my skin, but Paris, France's alternative band VILLA M are like a virus that just keeps hanging on and on.

I never used to pay much attention to music from countries other than the US or England.  Since I've turned into a download fiend, I now realize that other countries have excellent and unique sounding pop music. It's a blast to listen to ultra-cool tunes that are sung in a foreign language- you almost feel as if you are momentarily transported to the artist's country.  I also find it interesting to note that the language is NOT a barrier!  If the song has a solid melody and rhythm, and is sung with conviction, the emotion is apparent even if you don't understand a word being sung.

VILLA M create a high-energy, almost angry sound.  Using nothing more than guitars, percussion, and combined male and female vocals, this band transcends 99.99% of the music available anywhere on this freakin' planet.  Listening to "Le Sign Du K," I hear a tortured guitar sound that displays definite Chameleons influence.  The guitars are cranked up a notch in the hard-driving minor-chord rocker, "Gloire." I could only hope to write a song this good some day.

Quite a while back I visited a circus comprised of international acts, and the as the trapeze artists risked their lives, a band played an ethnic-sounding style of music that sounded a bit like the bouncy "An 2000."  Looking for some cleverly syncopated guitar majesty?  "Reste" is a fast and clever bit song craft that I can listen to over and over.  The song that completely won me over to VILLA M is "Loin D Icy," their CD's title track.  A bouncy guitar pattern commands the listener to dance as the lyrical melody creates French-language hook that won't leave your brain for days.  I found myself trying to sing along with this even though I could only make out a few words.

VILLA M has a chance to make it in the big world if you take the time to discover their invigorating and fresh alternative-rock songs.  The downloads are free, but your time will be rewarded well beyond anything mere money can buy.

Download free VILLA M tunes or order their CD