Neïmo

A feisty French rock band whose music combines elements of brash new wave rock and sleek electronic pop, Neïmo is that rare Gallic band that performs primarily in English. Featuring Bruno Alexandre on lead vocals, Camille Troillard on guitar, Matthieu Joly on keyboards, and Alexis Hadefi on drums, Neïmo made a splash in France with their debut album, 2005's From Scratch, a hooky, high-energy set that was recorded live in the studio in a mere two days. Neïmo released the album on their own Big Fields label, and enjoyed surprising success for an independent release, receiving radio play on a number of major French rock outlets, and they toured successfully throughout Europe. However, their media exposure in France was limited by their decision to sing their material in English, which prevented them from scoring a major-label deal at home. However, Neïmo's gamble paid off when they began attracting attention in the United States, and in 2007 they signed with Shangri-La Music in America. Neïmo came to New York City in late 2007 to play a series of shows and make themselves known on the Big Apple's club scene, and the group's second album is slated for international release in the spring of 2008, with more American touring to follow. ~ Mark Deming, All Music Guide