Munich’s Rue Oberkampf returns, prowling the shadowy corners of the electronic music scene with their latest single, “I Won’t Surrender,” heralding the arrival of their much-anticipated EP, Essenz. The duo—comprising the enigmatic DJ and producer pair Julia de Jouy and Oliver Maier—has crafted a track that intertwines beguiling beats with melodies that whisper like a lover’s confession in a deserted alley.
“I Won’t Surrender” is a masterclass in Rue Oberkampf’s unique sonic alchemy—a volatile mix of industrial grit, techno pulse, and darkwave melancholy that plunges listeners into a twilight realm of desire and despair. De Jouy’s vocals, ethereal and haunting, glide over brooding synths and relentless rhythms, spinning tales that speak to the soul’s hidden recesses. Each note is a step deeper into their labyrinth, a place where secrets are both currency and curse.
The accompanying music video captures this vibe in full gothic splendor. Set in an abandoned London church, Rue Oberkampf takes center stage amid a striking light pyramid that stands ominously at the altar. The spectral atmosphere is heightened by a cast of alternative dancers, including the likes of the ethereal Lith Li and MØNSTER QUEEN’s queer goth curators, alongside Emmi Aylmer and Greta Gamma. The choreography unfolds like a fever dream amid a haze of projected abstract forms—mist, liquid, and shadow—under the eerie direction of Simone Pellegrini, who conjures a visual aesthetic reminiscent of The Crow and Sleepy Hollow, where reality blurs with the surreal.
Watch the video for “I Won’t Surrender” below:
But there’s more beneath the surface. The single also comes with a “Brutal Edit”—a reimagined, harder-hitting version that turns up the intensity with booming bass and razor-sharp percussion. This club-ready rendition pulls no punches, channeling the raw, visceral energy of Berlin’s subterranean techno nights. It’s a stark contrast to the original but remains in perfect harmony with the duo’s dark, alluring aesthetic.
Listen to I Won’t Surrender below, and pre-order Essenz here.
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