Mareux is fittingly not pulling any stops with newly announced SoCal shows and his latest single, “Ébène Fumé,” as he approaches his upcoming album, Nonstop Romance, out June 27 via Revolution / Warner Records. Joined by fellow LA-based singer Riki, Aryan Ashtiani, the mind behind Mareux, is following up on his promise to deviate from past singles like “The Perfect Girl” for his sophomore album.
“I’m trying to make something that’s reflective of me getting older,” said Ashtiani, before adding that the album’s guiding light was a simple question: “Could you put it on in your house with people around and not bring the mood down?”
“Ébène Fumé” is proof of that mission statement, with Ashtiani’s usual darkwave traded for glistening synthpop as Riki’s voice comes in like an angel bringing in the light. After a momentary pause following the track’s grand opening, the collaboration between the two artists soon proves itself to be one where they bring the best out of each other as Ashtiani’s production adds weight to each word sung by Riki.
At the same time, enough air in between the verses allows the instrumental to shine, letting “Ébène Fumé” become to darkwave what New Romantic music was for post-punk. The halfway point, especially, finds Ashtiani pushing himself as a producer and, in extension, breaking any preconceived notions of what to expect from Mareux.
See Mareux in Pomona at the Fox Theater on Dec. 12 and LA at The Novo on Dec. 13.
Visit Mareux and Riki on their respective Instagram accounts to stay updated on new releases and tour dates.
Listen to “Ébène Fumé” the new single from Mareux & Riki below!
