NEIL FRANCES by Day, CLUB NF by Night
Photos by Ava London
The evolution of a househead [househead: someone who greatly enjoys house music] unfolds in distinct stages. It begins with a gentle introduction to artists such as Fred Again or John Summit—universally adored, their tracks offering familiar rhythms with dynamic rises and falls. As one’s palate develops, encounters with acts such as Rüfüs du Sol or Fisher introduce more intense beats, giving you a glimpse at the dark side (also known as drum ‘n bass). Before long, you find yourself immersed in the depths of the scene, perhaps in a warehouse at 3AM., watching Sara Landry control a crowd with only a sample and bass line… definitely not taken from a true story.
This journey isn’t exclusive to househeads however; artists themselves travel similar paths, evolving their soundscapes over time. This brings us to Neil Frances, the Los Angeles-based duo known for their soulful electro-indie rock with a psychedelic beach house flair. Recently, they’ve unveiled ‘CLUB NF,’ a project that reimagines their signature tracks into club-ready anthems. Describing this endeavor, they shared, “Club culture and dance music have always been at the heart of Neil Frances… we have started CLUB NF and reimagined some of our old songs into a more club-focused format.” Their inaugural live performance of CLUB NF took place at Don Quixote last Saturday, marking a bold step into this exhilarating, rave-inspired dimension..and we were lucky enough to witness it.
The debut of CLUB NF was an exciting evolution of their sound—blurring the lines between their signature psychedelic house and the pulse of true club music. The duo’s performance was incredibly interactive; they were fully engaged, with Jordan Feller mixing on stage, seamlessly blending Marc Gilfry’s live vocals and guitar into the set. The reinterpretation of their own songs into dancefloor-driven anthems felt fresh and ambitious, and their connection with the crowd was undeniable. It was a performance in every sense of the word, and watching them navigate this new direction in real time was both impressive and exhilarating.
That said, CLUB NF still feels like a work in progress. Neil Frances excels at creating dreamy, groove-heavy soundscapes, but club music thrives on anticipation—those moments of tension and release that send a crowd into a frenzy. While their set had plenty of infectious energy, some of the drops didn’t quite hit with the impact needed to fully deliver that high-intensity club experience. Their roots in psychedelic house, where tracks often flow continuously without dramatic build-ups, were still evident. It’s a delicate balance to strike, and while they’re clearly moving in the right direction, there’s still room to refine the transitions and climaxes that define a truly great club set.
However, Neil Frances’ talent is undeniable, and this new chapter feels like an exciting journey rather than a finished product. Their ability to merge live instrumentation with electronic music sets them apart, and with time, CLUB NF has the potential to become something truly special. The heart of their sound—soulful, rhythmic, and deeply immersive—is still there, now pulsing under strobe lights and heavier basslines. If Saturday’s show was any indication, they’re well on their way, and watching them evolve will be just as exciting as the music itself.
To listen to CLUB NF VOL. 1, click here.
