An after-midnight set in the nation’s capital: It’s an extraordinary way for a group from overseas to kick off a USA tour and to make a compelling statement with its music.
Franc Moody is the London-based duo of Ned Franc and Jon Moody, and together they front a funk and disco operation quickly on the rise after forming in the years leading up to the pandemic.
The group has caught the ears of listeners all over the globe, and this month it’s playing a series of dates in major American cities to keep spreading the good word as it continues to work on new material.
Ticketholders — decked in neon, shimmering for the occasion — lined up late last Friday night outside 9:30 Club for the chance to enjoy a wildly entertaining Franc Moody set that would technically begin in the early minutes of Saturday, Sept. 21.
Listen to Franc Moody’s 2022 album, Into the Ether, via Spotify:
Led by Franc on the electric guitar and Moody on the keyboard and other instruments, the band also features drummer Dan Hale and bassist Rosetta Carr. Together, they’re out on a mission to make people dance, and they succeeded in glorious fashion this past weekend at the popular V Street venue.
The quartet performed a mix of tracks from 2018’s Dance Moves, 2020’s Dream in Colour and 2022’s Into the Ether, as well as several hit singles, and their energy and sound turned the night into a high-stepping, hip-swinging bash, as just about everyone in the room grooved from start to finish.
Highlighting the unforgettable appearance, Moody flopped out on top of the crowd and was carried into before being hauled back to the rail. By the end of it all, Carr and Rosetta were laid out on the stage, still playing through an encore rendition of the title track to the Franc Moody premier, “Dance Moves.”
Listen to 2018’s Dance Moves, the first Franc Moody album, via Spotify:
Setlist
Dream In Colour
Terra Firma
Skin on Skin
Raining in LA (medley)>
Losing Touch
Cherry
Going Through the Motions
Flesh and Blood
Night Flight
New song (listed as “Driving on the Wrong …” on the stage setlist)
She’s Too Good For Me
In Transit
Dopamine
Encore
Dance Moves
Below are home-rolled/developed/scanned 35mm movie film shots of Franc Moody performing a set at 9:30 Club after midnight on Sept. 20, 2024, technically making it Sept. 21. All photos copyright and courtesy of Casey Ryan Vock.
