Database Vs. French Horn Rebellion

By Veronica Murtagh in Arts & Entertainment on Sep 1, 2009 5:20PM

It sure doesn't feel like the last days of summer here in Chicago, but hey, at least the sun is shining to remind us what summer could have been. Brazilian electronic duo Database have teamed up with Milwaukee/NYC digital crooners French Horn Rebellion on an EP titled Beaches and Friends that summarizes the spirit of the summer with glittering beats and sing along choruses. The two acts face off against each other this Wednesday night at Sonotheque.

French Horn Rebellion is a duo that have played a few shows and DJ sets now in Chicago, but have gone largely unknown. It's a shame, their music is a positively infectious mix of hook-heavy lyrics, lush spacey beats, rocking keyboard and of course, french horn. It's a little bit retro, a whole lot funky, and impossible not to bob your head to with a smile on your face.

Alongside The Twelves, Database are Brazil's biggest electronic exports. A mix of the funky, French disco inspired styles of Daft Punk and Cassius and the slick electro of Justice merge as reference points in Database's sweeping compositions. Largely popular is Database's Ugly Edits mix series where tunes from across eras and genres are combined. Their most recent installation, Vol. 2 (available for free download on their MySpace page), featured the likes of Blur, B-52's, Def Leppard, The Stooges and John Denver.

The two acts have already gained the attention of local electronic rockers Hey Champ and a remix from the trio is featured on the Beaches and Friends EP. We hope to see the rest of Chicago open their arms Wednesday night for what's sure to be a weeknight that feels more like a weekend.

Database vs. French Horn Rebellion with Gemini Club and Members Only Wednesday, September 2, at Sonotheque, 1444 W Chicago, 9 p.m., $8, 21+