Prototypes - "Un Gars Fragile" (2004)

Not to get all meta on only the second post in, but it’s easy to imagine that the male singer of Prototypes’ exuberant “Un Gars Fragile” is precisely the kind of self-aware pretty boy who simply doesn’t turn Yelle’s crank in “Tu Es Beau.” Taken from Prototypes’ self-titled US debut—which was cobbled together out of tracks from the band’s first two French full-lengths—“Un Gars Fragile” is, quite simply, catchy electro-pop delivered with blazing confidence. Which kinda belies the lyrics. Which is kinda the point. The message? Never believe a guy who’s falling all over himself to tell you how “sensitive” he is. Even if he smothers his new wave-flavored entreaties in crisp, Gang of Four snare hits and Split Enz-via-the Strokes squashed, processed guitars—and everything sounds absolutely perfect. Still. Don’t trust him.

Prototypes are a Parisian three-piece: Stephane Bodin (bass, synths—clearly the instrumental powerhouse of the group), Isabelle Le Doussal (vocals), and François Marche (guitar). Normally Le Doussal sings with a winning Terry Bozzio meets Karen O gum-cracking yelp. I’m not sure if it’s Bodin or Marche—or another guy altogether—who sang on “Gars,” but whoever handled these vocals executed them with a lovely, showy élan, tumbling over the fast-moving syllables like a saucer-eyed Plastic Bertrand.

In 2008, Prototypes released their third album (their second stateside), Synthétique, and toured the US. Despite their earlier marketing successes (a ubiquitous iPod Shuffle ad, some high-end Mitsubishi & BMW commercials), Synthétique, unfortunately, failed to broaden the group’s audience. The Prototypes website hasn’t been updated in a while. Here’s hoping they release some new music in 2010. Until then, “Un Gars Fragile” reminds us of those heady days when the Prototypes were so self-assured that could admit to being sensitive.

click the image below to listen to song previews or buy the album: