Brighton's love affair with French culture is partly why Stereolab chanteuse Laetitia Sadier is visiting with her new band Monade.

The show at Komedia is one of only three the French four-piece is playing in the UK - the others being in Glasgow and London.

"Brighton is one of my favourite cities in England," says Laetitia. "The link with French radio station FIP consolidates the French theme being strong in Brighton."

Monade started in the late Nineties as a side project for Laetitia to write her own songs and play the guitar and trombone. The band has just released its third album, Monstre Comic.

Monade is now based around Laetitia with bassist Marie Merlet, guitarist Nicolas Etienne and drummer David Loquier, although the album also features collaborations with members of the French band Momotte, vocalist Rachel Ortas of Luna Parker, and the strings of the Bordeaux Conservatoire.

"Monade's original intention was to be an expression of my desire," says Laetitia. "I want it to stay relatively supple so things can change. We know it is not set in stone, but we are pretty happy."

Sadly the pressure of working on the band has meant Laetitia had to give up her trombone-playing.

"I didn't have much energy left to pick up the trombone every day to practise," she says.

"You have to give a lot to your instrument to give it back to you."

Stereolab fans need not worry, though - Laetitia's original band is still working together and is set to release a new album in August.

"There is a style on there that is kind of new for Stereolab," says Laetitia. "I like the songs very much, but in the atmosphere of it there is something quite different - I will say no more than that!"

Support from It Hugs Back.

  • Starts 8pm, tickets £6.50. Call Resident Records, in Kensington Gardens, on 01273 606312.