Popular French bands. Recommended groups.

SparkCOCOON

Cocoon – Spark

Cocoon is a French band known for singing in English.

The band was formed in 2006 by male vocalist Mark Daumail and female vocalist Morgane Imbeaud.

Their first album, released in 2007, sold over 150,000 copies and quickly became a success in France.

Cocoon’s greatest appeal lies in the beautiful harmonies woven by their two voices.

Because the accompaniment is a simple acoustic guitar sound, their whispery, beautiful vocals stand out clearly.

Cocoon has many soothing songs, so why not give them a listen when you’re tired from work or housework?

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Yuuki

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Waters Of NazarethJustice

Justice – Waters Of Nazareth – † (Official Audio)

Justice is an electro-house duo formed in Paris, France.

Active since 2003, they are notably popular in Japan—one highlight being their 2008 release “DVNO,” which was featured in a NTT Docomo mobile phone commercial.

They also performed at Japan’s famous rock festival Fuji Rock in 2007 and at Summer Sonic in 2008.

Many of their tracks emphasize a powerful beat and feel exhilarating, so they’re highly recommended when you want to boost your mood!

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Yuuki

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SIBLINGSGush

GUSH – SIBLINGS [Clip Officiel]

Gush is a French indie rock band, and their high-pitched vocals are very pleasant and beautiful to listen to, making them a band I especially recommend to women.

Many of their songs are grand and evocative of Europe’s great natural landscapes, and they seem like the kind of band that could lift your spirits when you listen during your commute.

Les Hautes RumiéresFauve

FAUVE ≠ LES HAUTES LUMIÈRES

FAUVE, a popular French arts collective shrouded in a mysterious aura, has captivated audiences worldwide.

Formed in Paris in 2010, they produce both music and video, drawing attention with their storytelling-rich expression.

Their debut EP “BLIZZARD,” released in 2013, entered the French Top 20, and they achieved a full-scale breakthrough with the 2014 album “VIEUX FRÈRES – Partie 1.” On stage, they consist of five musicians and a video artist, and as a flexible collective, sometimes more than 20 members take part.

Their restrained media presence and anonymity are also part of their appeal.

They’re highly recommended for those who value narrative and musicality.

SouvenirsNovelists FR

NOVELISTS – Souvenirs (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

If you’re into bands like metalcore or post-hardcore, you might already know that France actually has many groups with a distinct personality different from those in the U.S.

or the U.K.

Novelists from Paris—now performing as “Novelists FR”—are one such band.

Their sound is progressive metalcore grounded in high musicianship, featuring the tightly constructed ensembles characteristic of what’s known as “djent,” built on complex rhythms and riffs.

While they do have aggressive, even brutal aspects, their refined songs also weave in strong melodic parts, and the overall quality is high.

They’re not extremely heavy either, which might make them approachable for newcomers.

Of course, if you’re not used to djent, the deliberately offset, syncopated rhythms might throw you off at first.

But once you get accustomed to it, it feels incredible—so give it a try!

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KOH-1

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Set It StraightChunk! No, Captain Chunk!

Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! – Set It Straight (Live Tour Video)

Amid the 2000s metalcore boom, many bands emerged that fused the relentlessly upbeat melodies of pop punk with the aggressive sound that followed metalcore and screamo.

A Day to Remember is a well-known example, but if we’re talking French bands, it has to be Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! With their distinctive name—reportedly a quote from the classic film The Goonies—their high-energy sound described above is often called “easycore.” Even here in Japan, early listeners took notice from their debut, and after releasing their 2010 debut album Something for Nothing, they quickly joined the ranks of fan favorites.

Although they went on a temporary hiatus, they resumed activity in 2019 and successfully released their fourth album, Gone Are the Good Days, in 2021.

In a French scene often associated with stylish rock bands like Phoenix and Tahiti 80, they’re a rare presence, delivering a sound that stands shoulder to shoulder with American bands.

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KOH-1

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Sirens callCats on Trees

Cats On Trees – Sirens Call (Official Video)

Cats on Trees is a duo formed in 2007 consisting of piano-vocals and rhythm.

The vocalist, Nina, is particularly striking in appearance, and their music is pop and beautiful, making it perfect for women listeners and as background music in calm, stylish venues.