Caravan Palace In Vancouver

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Caravan Palace In Vancouver

Caravan Palace In Vancouver was nothing short of electrifying, a concert-goer’s dream come true. Hot off the release of their album Gangbuster Melody Club, the proclaimed “French-Electro Swing” group took over a sold-out Vogue Theatre. Normally, the venue offers a bit of breathing room, some open seats, a few cozy corners to relax; but not this time. Every inch of space, from the balcony to the floor, was packed to the brim. A sea of eager fans standing shoulder to shoulder. With that kind of crowd, I questioned how a show built on movement and dance could possibly unfold with this volume. But it seems I would’ve had to wait a long time to find out, as life found a way. Setting the tone for the night was French DJ and musician Zayka.

Zayka

As the clock struck 8, the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the crowd. It was a rare break from the usual eruption of cheers. A deep purple glow washed over the venue, casting a dreamlike haze. Then, a single sound cut through the silence; a lone trombone. Emerging from behind the curtain, Zayka stepped on stage. With trombone in hand, he weaved a smooth, almost surreal jazz melody. I won’t lie—I was a little baffled. This wasn’t the typical high-energy opener I had anticipated. Yet, as the solo unfolded, intrigue turned to admiration. A smile spread across Zayka’s face as he paused. In an instant, the silence shattered into thunderous applause, this is what I expected from the start. With effortless grace, he made his way behind his booth mid-stage. The moment his hands met the MIDI controls, everything shifted. Deep bass and crisp beats merged, and suddenly, Vancouver was under his spell. The crowd moved instinctively, and with it any lingering doubts vanished. By the time Zayka’s set ended, Vancouver couldn’t get enough, they were desperate for more. It seems Vancouver wouldn’t have to wait long as Zayka wasn’t just an opener, he was part of Caravan Palace In Vancouver.

Caravan Palace Bring The Swing

Between sets, the Vogue Theatre buzzed with life. Conversations ran through the crowd, dissecting Zayka’s set, and sharing their history with Caravan Palace. The chatter was chaotic, sometimes so overwhelming it blurred into white noise. Then, darkness and the shift was instant. The commotion turned into a roar, excitement crackling like a live wire. The anticipation crescendoed to a peak, and then, “Clash”. The track’s opening notes alone hit like a spark. Vancouver ignited into a frenzy of movement. At the center of the storm was Zoé Colotis, the night’s fearless ringleader, and clarinet player. Her infectious energy, boundless motion, and seamless connection with the crowd left no space for stillness. Every glance, every gesture pulled the audience deeper into the spectacle. Along Zoé were the band’s musical architects—Charles, Arnaud, Lucas, and the ever-present Zayka. Each member was a master of their craft. Caravan’s music thrives on precision. Through the extensive 24-track set, they made the impossible look effortless. A performance was so flawlessly executed, it felt almost supernatural.

Setlist

Vancouver got a taste of the best in French electronic music. Like legends Daft Punk and Justice, Caravan Palace brought an infectious, genre-blending sound rarely found today. Songs from their 2008 debut like “Dragons,” and “Jolie Coquine” etched their way through the Vogue’s dancefloor. Celebrating Gangbuster Melody Club, the setlist featured seven tracks from the album, including “81 Special,” “Mirrors,” and “Fool”. A surprise cover of Lead Belly’s “Black Betty” had the crowd clapping in perfect unison. With “Lone Digger,” the explosive portion of the night commenced and sent the energy through the roof. Every voice sang, every body moved, it was an infectious moment of pure joy, and the band soaked it in. It was as if this was exactly why Caravan made music.

In Closing

Caravan Palace In Vancouver was a remarkable experience to be remembered. During the encore’s “Je M’amuse,” the entire venue moved with energy, fans jumping in sync so intensely it felt like the floor and ceiling might give way. But beyond the sheer spectacle, it was the heartfelt moments that stood out most. Throughout the night, Zoé Colotis and the band repeatedly paused to express their gratitude, acknowledging Vancouver’s love for their sound. Near the end of the set, Zoé stood still, momentarily overwhelmed by a wave of applause. With a beaming smile, she formed a heart with her hands. A silent but powerful gesture of appreciation for the city. As “Jolie Coquine” brought the night to a close, the band gathered for the final bow. The roar was deafening, not a silent voice in the house. The band soaked it all in before stepping offstage, leaving behind a night that won’t soon be forgotten. Like many, I look forward to the band’s future and hope to experience the group again, sooner rather than later.

I want to thank Caravan Palace In Vancouver for the wonderful memories and their gratuitous team for allowing me to experience the night. If you’d like to find out more on the group, or catch their expansive North American Tour, look here: https://www.caravanpalace.com/tour

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