Album Review: Waryo by Roquette – A Wild Ride Through Hardcore and Techno Vibes
Alright, let’s talk about Waryo, the 2000 album from French electronic artist Roquette. Released under OG Records, this one’s a punchy mix of hardcore and techno that feels like it was made for those late-night warehouse raves or when you just need something heavy to drown out your thoughts. It’s raw, unapologetic, and full of energy—basically, everything good electronic music should be.
The standout track for me has gotta be “En-core.” Right off the bat, it kicks in with this relentless beat that grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. The synths are sharp, almost like they’re slicing through the air, and there’s this hypnotic rhythm that keeps pulling you back in. I don’t know if it’s nostalgia or what, but every time I hear it, I’m transported to some imaginary underground club where everyone’s moving as one sweaty, chaotic mass. It’s not perfect—it gets a bit messy near the end—but honestly, that’s part of its charm. Feels alive, y’know?
Another banger is “Le Son Il Est Pourri,” which translates roughly to “The Sound Is Rotten” (love the irony here). This track is wild. It’s got these distorted basslines that sound like they’re falling apart at the seams, but somehow it all holds together. There’s a cheekiness to it, like Roquette is poking fun at the whole idea of polished production while still delivering something totally addictive. If you’re into tracks that feel unpredictable and kinda unhinged, this one’s for you.
“Ouyouyouille” and “Waryo A” round out the album nicely, though they didn’t stick in my brain quite as much. Still solid listens, though—especially if you dig that old-school French electronic vibe.
Reflecting on Waryo, it’s kinda amazing how albums like this can feel so fresh even decades later. Maybe it’s because we live in an era where everything’s overproduced, and hearing something this gritty hits different. Or maybe it’s just proof that sometimes imperfection is exactly what makes art memorable. Either way, give this album a spin if you want to experience a piece of French electronic history—and hey, who knows? You might find yourself dancing like no one’s watching.
Oh, and random thought: I bet Roquette would’ve killed it at making video game soundtracks back in the day. Just saying.
