Emily and Chromeo with part of 'Guilt', Gary Hill, 2006

There’s nothing more boring than reading an interview from a tired old music hack asking questions like: “So who would you say are your major influences?” That’s why we asked lady-of-leisure Emily Freud to start dating for us. Emily doesn’t care about trivial things like grime, or nu rave. She cares about high minded stuff like literature, art, nice restaurants and hot boys. Emily doesn’t do interviews, she does dates.

This issue we decided it was time Emily stepped up her game, so we sent her to the Gary Hill and Gerry Judah exhibition at the Louise T Blouin Institute, on a date with TWO dudes for double the trouble… P-Thugg and Dave 1 are Chromeo: long time best buds, musical duo and “the only successful Arab/Jew partnership since the dawn of human culture." Could we get them scrapping over a girl?

'So Chromeo… will YOU be my Romeo?' I wonder as I waited patiently for my date outside the Louise T Blouin Foundation in west London. I didn’t have to wait long; there was no-one around, so when a guy with Gold chains and cap to the side walked up with his hand raised to shake mine, I introduced myself.  

"I’m Emily. So you’re Chromeo?"

"Er, actually I’m Patrick and this is Dave (a tall dark haired guy with neon green plimsolls stepped out from behind him). We’re Chromeo."

Chromeo with part of 'Guilt', Gary Hill, 2006

I nodded and smiled, not wanting my confusion to become apparent. I discretely flicked my phone open and texted the Don’t Panic Team letting them know of their mistake. The reply came worryingly fast (I think they were expecting it): "Didn’t any one tell you? You can handle it Em." Feeling slightly daunted I suggest we go through to the exhibition.

Taking another look at my ménage a trios, I realised this could be a fun day. I enjoy edwandering around galleries and the space at the Foundation is amazing, with clean white walls and huge sheet glass windows which reflect onto varnished concrete floors.

Dave with part of 'Guilt', Gary Hill, 2006

Plus these guys looked like they were up for it too: Dave in his leather jacket and Ray Bans (it was quite bright in there), and Patrick momentarily looking up from his Blackberry and inquisitively round the corner of the studio wall. I motion for them to follow me into the space.

Patrick with exhibit from Motherlands series, Gerry Judah, 2007

"So how did you guys get together?"

Dave: "We went to High School together in Montreal, Canada. We come from different backgrounds, Patrick’s an Arab and I’m Jewish. Our school was very cosmopolitan, so these differences didn’t cause friction like they might under other circumstances."

"Do you think that multiculturalism works on a larger scale?"

D: "Well, America has been built on this idea - although it has its problems, it does work. The most recent period of immigration has caused the most issues in the western world."

Dave with part of 'Guilt', Gary Hill, 2006

"Your views on the Israeli-Palestine problem?"

D: "The two are not compatible. I’m not very pro Israel and I think it’s a bad idea to mix religion and state. I think the pre 1967 borders were a good idea; I am in favour of the existence of Israel historically, but think there should be a Palestinian state."

(I look over to Patrick questioningly)

D: "I think Patrick shares this view."

(Patrick nods)

At this point we go into a dark room with a visual installation. Loud snapping noises boom from the speakers. After almost every sentence I jump out of my skin with shock. In front of the screen is a large pool of oil (I only find this out after I almost step in it). After a few moments of taking the scene in Dave turns to me and continues our conversation.

D: "To be honest we don’t let this get in the way of our music. We sing about girls mainly. Our music is fun and represents influences from 60’s, 70’s and 80’s music - it’s a new take on retro sound. Just like how the White Stripes re-appropriated Mississippi Blues. We do point out our differences when describing what we’re about, but its no big deal and is done in a tongue in cheek way."

Visiting the gallery with Patrick and Dave (aka P-Thugg and Dave 1) was an enlightening experience. Dave is really clued-up about art and we had some interesting discussions on multiculturalism, society and how the works around us portrayed these issues visually. On paper I think Dave and I would be perfect, we like similar things: art, architecture and quality eyewear. But if I’m honest with myself I don’t think there is room for a trio in Chromeo. I walked away from the date happy in the knowledge they have each other. 

 
No room for a trio...

Chromeo are currently touring around Europe. Their album ‘Fancy Footwork’ is out now. SO GO CHECK IT OUT!!! www.myspace.com/chromeo

The Louise T Blouin Institute is one of the largest non-government funded, not-for-profit cultural spaces in London, and is a showcase for both established and emerging contemporary artists. The current exhibition is Gary Hill, Gerry Judah, showing until 26th August. The Richard Meier exhibition opens 12th October 2007. Visit at 3 Olaf Street, London, W11 4BE or look online at www.ltbfoundation.org