Moonee

For the imprint’s latest release, Last Year in Marienbad is pleased to welcome French producer Moonee back into the fold, who brings to the table an EP filled to the brim with his signature blend of euphoric and emotive grooves…

Moonee’s music, one of François Lefevre’s main aliases, touches upon the airer side of dance music, tapping into the feeling of inner reflection and escapism. His ability to create impactful but softly spoken songs leaves impressions on those who come across it, and his records are deep dives into these carefully constructed sonic experiences. Originally focusing on deep house, Lefevre has taken Moonee on recent releases into a number of new spaces, perhaps best demonstrated on the LP ‘Sandquest’ which came out on parent label Oath last year. The manner in which Moonee curated that experience helped expand his musical universe immensely, and when it comes to palettes of sound, there isn’t much better than his finely tuned discography. Finding spaces in-between is a joy on his records, with the attention to detail and emphasis on the free flows and intuitive make repeat listens all the more enjoyable.

‘Brotherhood’ is his latest offering, and it is perhaps his most finely packed and delicately poised record to date. As soon as the ‘Glitched’ version of the title track begins, there is a sense of latent urgency but also a story found within waiting to be told. The steppin’ garage beat acts as a pivot between the lo-fi vocal sample up top and the intensely deep low-end bass and kicks, with the listener bouncing along within the mids to great effect. ‘Existenz’ comes next, and this takes the 4 to the floor energy to new heights. The kicks provide the core for hi end rhythmic elements to offer texture, with focus drawn to the emerging melodic palette, that feels almost orchestral in its depth and reach. One to drift into, for sure.

‘Panorama’ builds on some of the key motifs from the opening two tracks, almost rounding off that chapter of the EP to great effect. The skipping vocal samples shift around up top whilst an upbeat bass line drifts up and down beneath the drums. A playful and joyous track, this one feels like mid-morning wrapped up with late night all at once – one to soundtrack that late-night voyage through the city. Finally, fellow Oath affiliate Moomin is brought on board to remix the title track, and he brings a slice of electro to proceedings. Whilst the original is presented with a gloss of high energy, this version is more understated and laid back, butt this focus on rolling provides an excellent counterpoint. Slowly building, quietly shifting, it is a mini-masterclass in allowing energy to build and release – a perfect ender to this EP.

If enriching grooves, enticing melodies and warmth are what you wish for in life, then ‘Brotherhood’ has you covered. Trailblazing across the electronic slipstreams, gathering energy at canters then gallops, this EP has a bit of everything – press play, and dive right in….