REVIEW

The second album from Los Angeles-based darkwave artist Mareux (Aryan Ashtiani). Following the viral spread of the 2022 single “The Perfect Girl” on TikTok, he emerged as a leading new force in the renewed interest surrounding darkwave aesthetics.

Where his previous record leaned on cold, minimal electronic compositions framed by dream pop-tinged bookends, this album pushes more decisively toward the dancefloor. The beats hit harder, while the synthesizers expand into more melodic and varied textures, sharpening the contrast between austerity and euphoria.

That direction is clearly articulated on #3 “Nonstop Romance,” driven by approachable synth hooks and a bouncing bassline, with sleek vocals that evoke comparisons to Depeche Mode in their polished restraint.

On #7 “Blue,” uptempo driving rock beats lean into post-punk territory, broadening the album’s stylistic reach without breaking its core identity.

The standout moment arrives with #5 “Ébène Fumé” (feat. Riki). Guest vocals from synthpop artist Riki open with a surge of uplift reminiscent of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill,” before seamlessly transitioning into a retro-leaning rhythmic framework. Shimmering synth layers and sensual vocal delivery intersect, resulting in one of the record’s most romantic and lush passages.

While rooted in darkwave, the album amplifies rhythmic momentum and nostalgic romanticism, extending its appeal toward listeners drawn to 80s synthpop and club-oriented electronic music.