Darkwave Duo Paradox Obscur, have unveiled their gorgeous video for their opera-esque French and English language single “Présage.” This intriguing piece is the prelude to their forthcoming EP, Auto Reverse via WARRIORECORDS, scheduled to make its debut on June 16th.
This latest track is deftly sculpted by the aural artistry of Kriistal Ann and Toxic Razor and stands as a testament to the duo’s talent in creating unique synth-electronic compositions. Their signature approach leans heavily on analog production techniques, which puts their music in a league of its own.
With a dash of Kate Bush and a sprinkle of Mylène Farmer, “Présage” weaves threads of theatrical synth soundscapes that resonate with the vibes of ’80s fantasy. The song’s enigmatic atmosphere gets even more magnified by its grainy retro-style music video, meticulously directed by the gifted Nicolas Medy, the creative mind behind the cinematic video for Curses’ “Boundless,” featuring Jennifer Touch.
Medy, offering insights on his creative process for the video (translated from French), stated:
“In my mind, Présage felt like the continuation of “Acqua Fresca.” The “to be continued” narrative left unanswered in Warriorecords and Melodrama intrigued me. It got me thinking about a fugitive from the island of Maldoror’s prison searching for a lost love – someone condemned, perhaps. The lyrics of the song, with their somewhat esoteric nature, brought the myth of Orpheus’ descent into the Underworld to mind.”
“I drew inspiration from Monteverdi’s opera and two profound productions: Claude Goretta’s opera film Orfeo, and Bob Wilson’s stage version. From there, I decided to film in a studio that echoes operatic rather than cinematic sensibilities. However, I leaned more towards the narrative style of a fairytale than an ancient Greek epic.”
“Présage is a cauldron of references from my past: Wagner’s operas, the Skyrim game, animations by Michel Ocelot and Lotte Reiniger, art by Georges de La Tour, José de Ribéra… I also took a deep dive into the comic strip Thorgal, which I continue to be a massive fan of. The city I imagined is a blend of inspirations from The King and the Bird, The Castle in the Sky, and artists like de Chirico, Minoru Nomata, Riccardo Bofill, and Xavier Corbero. All these influences have had a profound impact on my life and career, and continue to inspire me today.”
Feast your eyes on the video for ‘Présage” below:
Paradox Obscur, a band grounded in dark alternative synth-electronic beats, was born in 2014 out of the collective genius of Kriistal Ann & Toxic Razor in Athens. With a dedication to creating genuine analog sounds via hardware synthesizers and drum machines, they kicked off their journey into the realm of old-school electronic music and recording tracks imbued with 1980s dance nostalgia in real-time.
Bringing to the table their unique artistic backgrounds – Kriistal Ann’s classical music foundation from the Prague State Conservatory and Toxic Razor’s expertise in synthesizers and drum machines, honed while running his own label Werkstatt Recordings – the duo made their mark. The pair have an impressive repertoire of solo works and collaborations with avant-garde artists, attracting the attention of European organizers and landing them on stage at multiple events alongside internationally renowned bands from the Minimal-Electro, Cold Wave, and Post-Punk scenes.
In 2022, the synth magic of Paradox Obscur found its way into the French Canadian film «That Kind of Summer» by esteemed Canadian director Denis Côté, which had its grand premiere at the 72nd Berlin International Film Festival, even snagging a nomination for the coveted Golden Bear prize.
Paradox Obscur’s discography sprawls across several European record labels, including the British Peripheral Minimal and the German Young & Cold Records. The year 2020 marked a turning point for the duo as they signed with the Philadelphia based US label Metropolis Records (FRONT 242, KMFDM, FRONT LINE ASSEMBLY). Following their 2021 collection «Singles & Rarities», they released «Morphogenesis» in 2022, stamping their fifth studio album in just eight years onto their prolific timeline.
The forthcoming EP, Auto Reverse, consists of five novel tracks composed & performed by the duo, set for a June 16th release through Warrior Records (FR). The tracks vary in rhythm, some lending themselves to dynamic electronic dance, while others imbibe a nostalgic tune. This sonic fusion creates a sensual, gradually dynamic atmosphere that transcends time. Lyrically, they traverse through English & French narratives about love, social struggles, and personal dilemmas, all aimed at paving the way for a superior existence.
Pre-order and Pre-Save the EP HERE
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