Pyncher Ignites Paris: Mancunian Band Delivers a “Funny Music” Revelation at Supersonic
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A collective sigh of relief swept through Paris’s live music scene on Saturday, January 10, 2026, as the British band Pyncher delivered a captivating performance at the Supersonic, effectively banishing the “blues” that had accumulated during a month-long concert drought. The evening, documented by photographer Pierre Tissot, showcased a dynamic lineup, but it was Pyncher’s unique blend of genres and raw energy that ultimately stole the show.
A Long Wait for Live Music
The preceding weeks had been marked by a sense of anticipation and, frankly, withdrawal. As one observer noted, the four weeks leading up to the concert felt prolonged, filled with a pretense of holiday cheer and hopeful projections for a problem-free 2026. This period of musical deprivation, coupled with less pleasant realities, made Pyncher’s arrival all the more welcome.
Total Leoparda Sets the Stage
The evening commenced with a vibrant set from Total Leoparda, a quartet hailing from Montreuil. The band embraced a striking aesthetic, incorporating leopard print into their attire and even adorning the drums. Their music, described as “nicely wild” and reminiscent of bands like The Cramps and The Kills, blended garage rock with psychedelic jungle sounds. The group’s energy was infectious, particularly the powerful vocals of Kat “fuckin” Anger, and their bilingual lyrics added an extra layer of appeal. Their performance culminated in a frenetic finale addressing the serious issue of domestic violence.
A Disappointing Interlude: “It Was” Fails to Impress
Unfortunately, the momentum was briefly interrupted by a lackluster performance from the French rock band “It Was.” The group’s outdated aesthetic – leather, tight pants, and ankle boots – felt contrived and out of touch. A critic lamented that their music consisted of “bad songs with childish lyrics” and subpar vocals. While the band displayed undeniable energy, particularly from the drummer, the overall performance lacked structure, originality, and ultimately failed to resonate with the audience. Many in attendance eagerly awaited Pyncher’s set to restore the evening’s promise.
Pyncher: A Sonic Revelation
Finally, Pyncher took the stage, presenting a striking contrast to their predecessor. The band – comprised of Sam, a young and unassuming frontman, a bespectacled guitarist, a more reserved bassist, and a powerful drummer – immediately captivated the audience with their “funny music.” This descriptor, as one attendee put it, was a high compliment, hinting at a depth and complexity that surpassed expectations based on their debut album, Every Town Needs a Stranger.
The set began with an unexpected nod to Steely Dan, quickly morphing into a sound more akin to The Cramps’ garage rock intensity. “Get Along” followed, delivering a direct and effective rock sound, drawing comparisons to The Strokes. “Hippopotamus Boy” showcased the band’s playful side, blending spoken word with a dynamic, elastic rhythm and explosive guitar work.
Pyncher seamlessly navigated between genres, incorporating elements of 1960s pop, blues rock, and even Americana, complete with harmonica flourishes. The band’s performance was described as “danceable, melodious, and joyful,” evoking the spirit of classic English rock bands celebrated by publications like NME and Melody Maker.
A Sonic Youth-Inspired Finale
The band’s set reached a crescendo with a surprising display of noise rock, reminiscent of Sonic Youth. Guitarist Harvey unleashed a torrent of feedback and distortion, transforming the stage into a sonic landscape. This unexpected turn demonstrated a level of musical ambition and experimentation that left the audience thoroughly impressed.
Ultimately, Pyncher’s performance was a triumph of imagination, audacity, and talent. As one observer concluded, the evening left attendees “not knowing very well what we saw and heard, but completely delighted.” Certainly, musically at least, 2026 is off to a promising start.
Pyncher’s latest album, Every Town Needs a Stranger, is available on an independent label, released on October 15, 2025.
Total Leopard : It Was : Pyncher :
Eric Debarnot
Photos: Pierre Tissot.
Pyncher au Supersonic (Paris)
Production : Supersonic / Pyncher
Date: Saturday January 10, 2026.
