Contributing WriterNEWEM, aka Sebastien from Scratch Massive, adds a remix
Nicolas Foucault launched his project Grey Satori in early 2020. His compositions blend the melancholic textures of new wave with the hypnotic pulse of electro but also draw on his fascination with moody indie. He has co-authored a book on the seminal album ‘The Queen Is Dead’ by The Smiths and also founded and curates a webzine dedicated toalternative music, where he conducts in-depth interviews with key figures from the underground scene.
Magnificent lead single ‘No Regrets’ is crushingly introspective with hints of Joy Division angst in the wallowing guitars, but subtle hope in the retro-future chords and chugging bassline. Sombre vocal whispers add to the mournful mood and make this a beautiful but heartbroken hymn. ‘Drift’ is a deliciously dark disco and dub fusion with twinkling synth modulations and a swirling, menacing low end that slowly uplifts. ‘Dark Frequency’ unfolds like a slow-burning lament, but there is beauty in the despair. Wallowing, reverb-soaked chords drift in layers while cold, mechanical drum patterns echo with the detached precision of early post-punk. It’s haunting, desolate, but utterly magnetic.
Remixer NEWEM has long been exploring the intersection of futuristic and melancholic electronic music, not least on his ‘Moonpark’ album in 2022. He again channels a love of shadowy synth sounds and the cosmos here by flipping ‘No Regrets’ into slow motion but heavyweight dub. Distant celestial pads add scale while churning bass and sci-fi effects transport you to another world.
Grey Satori’s ‘Fading Lights EP’ is out now via bORDEL Records…
Tracklist
1. No Regrets
2. Drift
3. Dark Frequency
4. No Regrets (NEWEM Remix)
