Caravan Palace at the Vogue Theatre

Review and Photos – Caravan Palace at The Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, Mar 29 2025

As the doors of the historic Vogue Theatre swung open on Saturday night, a sold-out crowd flooded inside, buzzing with anticipation. It had been nine long years since Caravan Palace last graced Vancouver, and for many in attendance, this was their first chance to witness the electro-swing pioneers in person. The air crackled with excitement as fans squeezed into every available inch of space, eagerly awaiting the French band that formed back in 2008, after composing a soundtrack for an adult silent film.

The moment the lights dimmed and the first electrifying notes pulsed through the venue, the energy in the room ignited. Strobes flickered, brass instruments blared, and the unmistakable blend of vintage swing and modern electronica sent waves of exhilaration through the crowd. Caravan Palace had arrived.

Opening the night with “Clash” from their 2011 EP, the band wasted no time in setting the tone for a high-octane dance party. Zoé Colotis, ever the charismatic frontwoman, commanded the stage with her anachronistic vocals, expressive theatrics, and classy dance moves. Flanked by a powerhouse ensemble of strings and horns, the band transported the audience to an alternate timeline–one where electronic music had been birthed in the roaring ‘20s.

The setlist was a dynamic mix of fan favorites and fresh material. “Wonderland” from <I°_°I> (aka Robot Face)  and “Miracle” from Chronologic had the crowd in a frenzy, while their electrified take on “Black Betty” showcased the band’s signature ability to reinvent classics. Tracks from their latest album, Gangbusters Melody Club, seamlessly blended into the mix, proving that Caravan Palace remains as innovative and genre-defying as ever.

But it wasn’t just the music that electrified the night—it was the band’s infectious energy. Colotis’ rapid-fire vocal delivery, animated expressions, and playful interactions with the audience kept the momentum surging. Their on-stage presence got the entire venue jumping and cheering to their final tracks; the Vogue Theatre was alive, erupting in spontaneous cheers and applause between songs.

As the night drew to a close, the band’s gratitude was met with a roaring ovation, the kind that lingers long after the final note fades. The event was a wholly original collision of past and future, a night no one in the packed theatre will soon forget.

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