Paco Versailles, Black and White Review

Paco Versailles is a duet that is led by Vahagni and Ryan Merchant (of Capital Cities). The two have fused a unique sound out of influences of Flamenco, Dance, and Pop music. With solid sounds, production, and intelligent songwriting, the creative duo has coined the genre Dancemenco. Combining the rhythms of dance and Flamenco makes their music highly providing of body movement. Paco Versailles’ sonic language, Dancemenco, is brought to life by Vahagni’s mastery and knowledge of Flamenco guitar paired with Merchant skill as a lyricist, songwriter, and vocalist. The name Paco Versailles was conceived while imagining a collaboration between the duo’s most significant influences – the legendary Spanish guitarist Paco de Lucia and French electronic artists Daft Punk and Air, both products of the Parisian suburb of Versailles. The duet comes to life in a great live show that mixes electronic elements, live musicianship, and traditional Flamenco dancing. Paco Versailles is releasing a new single titled, “Black and White.”

Positives: Catchy melodies and rhythms make “Black and White” a track that checks all the boxes for danceability, cross-genre appeal, and solid production.

Bottom Line: “Black and White” builds on Latin rhythms, nylon-stung guitar fills and solo, hip horn pads, and a solid dance beat. Merchant’s voice fits perfectly over the acoustic and electronic elements that build the ensemble of instruments. Vahagni’s guitar playing is tasteful and shows a deep understanding of the Flamenco style. All in all, though, “Black and White” is a celebratory tune, and in an age where every song seems to be a dirge ballad, it is a breath of fresh air to get a selection that is danceable and HAPPY! That’s the short of it!