Review: L’Entourloop, Electric – ‘Playful and refreshing’

After their first UK tour sold out last year, the French reggae/hip-hop collective L’Entourloop returned for another incredible sold out show at Electric Bristol.

Their unique sound is influenced by sound system culture and features vintage samples and cinematic references.

Founders King James and Sir Johnny took to the stage looking sharp as usual in their suits, hats and sunglasses.

They slowly built the energy with a laid-back beat, N-Zeng on the trumpet, fitting samples to tell the audience ‘get ready for some dancing’ and vortex-style visuals which intensified with the drop pulling you into a slow, heavy bass rhythm.

It didn’t take long for the tempo to pick up as one held up a ‘HANDS UP!’ sign and the other played live drums on the beat pad, the crowd bouncing in unison.

The crowd were willing participants, following the lead of signs flashed up by the band

Soon joining them on stage were special guest vocalists from all over the globe who brought styles as energetic and diverse as L’Entourloop themselves.

Flavia Coelho, from Brazil, had no problem keeping the crowd fully engaged with hands swinging side to side while she effortlessly sang and danced, bouncing around the stage.

With his ragga influenced style Blabbermouf, from the Netherlands, deciphered syllables faster than you can imagine, while Bermudian Troy Berkley bellowed his bassy sound through the room, clear he was brought up around sound system culture.

The talented vocalists came on and off stage each bringing their own unique sound to the music as the crowd chanted back lyrics from massive tracks such as Want it Back, sounding like a well rehearsed choir.

The French act are proving popular in the UK, with a sold out tour last year preceding a sold out Electric Bristol show

N-Zeng continued to bring that live talent, playing epic trumpet melodies and equally hyping up the crowd when not playing. At one point, Flavia joined him with her trombone for a brass duo, once again elevating the night to more eclectic levels.

The synchronised energy between the DJs, vocalists and live musicians was strong throughout.

The audiovisuals were timed to perfection with L’Entourloop’s impeccable live DJing, with cinematic scenes and animations playing out onscreen hypnotising us further into the music.

Every now and then one of the duo would jump up onto the platform in the middle of their decks to dance with the crowd, their walking cane bouncing along with them.

Brilliantly, it seems this spot is purposely there for this sole reason; and if you had temporarily stopped dancing, it didn’t matter – they were there with a ‘JUMP!’ sign to remind you of your duty.

It was a high energy show with live instrumentation, visuals and lots of dancing

Towards the end of the night we all obviously had to give it up to the DJs and if we needed another reminder, not to worry, a big light up arrow was pointed at them.

Throughout the night L’Entourloop seamlessly blended hip hop, reggae and dub with some jungle flavours mixed in to ramp up the energy even more.

The night was a showcase of their incredible sound with playful fun: a refreshing show which makes it clear no matter how old you are, it’s always good to be a bit silly.

All images: Hannah Tyson

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