13 exclusive photos of Sebastien Tellier at Village Underground

4 November, 2014: Sebastian Tellier stuns his hardcore fans with a brilliant shot at London's Village Underground. Check out our incredible, beauitful, exclusive photos from the gig here.

We’re in the hands of French pop royalty this evening. Since Sebastien Tellier signed to Air’s indie label, Record Makers, in 2001 he has developed a remarkable back catalogue. This includes collaborations with Afrobeat drummer Tony Allen on his album Politics, and a Daft Punk produced synth pop album, called Sexuality.

He’s also famed for his Eurovision Song Contest appearance, where he sung in English and angered French traditionalists. It's this mischievous side we see tonight, but not straight away - things begin simply with an instrumental introduction emanating from the two drum kits, bass, and an impressive synth set up. It’s clear though that we’re here for a show and Tellier, who is dressed in a Viven Westwood designed multi coloured suit, isn’t going to robotically churn out song-after-song.

The maverick Frenchman is going to make the crowd wait to hear his mesmerising repertoire that ranges from chamber pop to more solely classical instrumentals, erotic synth pop, and bossanova. Greeting the adoring fans he has at his feet he makes himself at home on stage by lighting up a cigar: “Can we smoke too!?” shouts one audience member. ”No you cannot! I am the singer! But you can take Cocaine, LSD. I took one piece just before!” he admits.

It’s from this point in the show that humorous ten minute rambles between songs break out. With a confident swagger he speaks in an illusionary manner, and takes on more serious issues such as the changing landscape of the music industry. He complains about only getting paid 200 Euros for the show and compares Universal Records to lions that are out for themselves.

It’s all in good humour though. His blasé attitude, and humorous stage banter frustrates some audience members though, they yell for him to sing. Thankfully Tellier’s two hour slot is long enough to cope with the extended rambles meaning he still gets out a decent set that’s most moving during his hit ‘La Ritournelle’.

Although this indebted to chemical experimentation it’s the musical inspiration that rings the loudest and such is the majesty of the band, even hearing one track would have been worth leaving the house for.