Viscelard 01 by Matek Alextrem: A Sonic Trip Through French Electronica
Let me tell you, Viscelard 01 isn’t just another electronic album—it’s this weird little world that Matek Alextrem built with sounds. Like, seriously, it feels like walking into a dimly lit basement rave in Paris where everyone's too cool to even nod their heads but they’re vibing hard on the inside. Released under Engrenages Record (props to them for backing something so raw), this record doesn’t try to be perfect or shiny. It’s gritty, moody, and honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The first track I gotta shout out is “Neon Drain.” Oh man, this one hits different. It starts off all slow and brooding—like those moments when you're staring out of a train window at night—and then BAM, it drops into this hypnotic beat that grabs you by the soul. The synths feel dirty, almost broken, but in the best way possible. You can tell Matek wasn’t trying to clean things up too much here; he let the chaos live. And somehow, that messiness feels intentional, like he wanted us to feel uncomfortable yet totally hooked. By the time the track fades out, you’re left thinking, “Wait…what just happened?” But you hit repeat anyway because damn, it’s good.
Then there’s “Static Bloom,” which is probably my favorite from the bunch. This track sneaks up on you. At first, it’s all soft pads and distant echoes, like hearing whispers in an empty warehouse. But around the halfway mark, these glitchy textures start creeping in, messing with your brain. It’s not overwhelming though—it’s more like someone gently pulling apart the fabric of reality while you sit there mesmerized. There’s no big drop or flashy moment, just this steady build that keeps you guessing. Honestly, I listened to this three times in a row before realizing how late it was. Time just kinda...slips away with this one.
What stands out about Viscelard 01 is how unapologetically French it feels. Not in some cliché beret-and-baguette way, but in its attitude. It’s experimental without being pretentious, emotional without being over-the-top. Matek lets the music breathe, even if it means leaving gaps or letting imperfections shine through.
You know what’s wild though? After listening to the whole thing, I couldn’t help but think—this album would sound amazing blasting out of some old car stereo driving down a foggy road. Like, picture yourself cruising nowhere in particular, windows down, cold air hitting your face, and these tracks filling up the silence. Weird flex, I know, but that’s the vibe it gave me.
So yeah, give Viscelard 01 a spin if you’re into electronica that doesn’t play by the rules. Just don’t expect perfection—this ain’t that kind of party.
