In the ever-evolving tableau of rock, it’s not uncommon for the strings of a guitar to weave into the fabric of a solo journey. Today, we have the distinct honor of premiering a piece that resonates with the solitary echo of such a journey—introducing “Far & Fast,” the poignant new single from indie rock band Droïd Fantôm, the introspective side project of Flèche’s guitarist-singer, Mickael Montaroux.
Droïd Fantôm stands as Montaroux’s personal odyssey into the realms of musical self-expression, a venture he embarked on following Flèche’s intermission after their latest album. In the silence that followed, Mickael found a symphony playing in his head, fa collection of songs that clamored for release. Thus, Droïd Fantôm was born, a conduit for these melodies that sought no consent but his own.
“Emptiness Takes Time,” the debut album from Droïd Fantôm, is a testament to this independence, threading together the sounds that Montaroux envisioned, unaltered and raw. Crafted in the solitude of his own space, save for the percussive partnership of Loic Salmon on drums and the additional layers added by Alexandre Mazarguil, this LP resonates with the spirit of ’90s indie—from the raw edges of grunge to the ethereal realms of shoegaze, all tinted with an emo sentiment. It’s a blend defined by stark contrasts: clear verses against the weight of heavy choruses and unexpected breaks, all swathed in the warm embrace of fuzz—a sound both simple and direct, yet brimming with sincerity.
The mastering of this auditory mosaic was entrusted to Thibauld Chaumont at Deviant LAB, ensuring that each note would carry the intended impact.
As for “Far & Fast,” the single unfurls a narrative of isolation not in solitude but alongside another—a poignant reflection on the paradox of feeling alone in company. It’s a sentiment many have navigated during the isolating waves of the pandemic, a universal thread of experience that Montaroux weaves into a relatable sonic story. It’s about being tethered to a place by love, yet feeling the sting of guilt and the weight of shared loneliness.
Complementing the song’s introspective gravity, the music video ventures down an entirely different avenue. Conceived as an antithesis to the track’s earnestness, the video is a light-hearted romp through a series of playful, easily filmable vignettes set within the compact space of a Photo Booth. Directed by Martin Dupraz of Paerish and born from a storyboard of simple, comedic concepts, it’s a reminder that even in the most confined spaces, levity can thrive—a juxtaposition as striking as the music itself.
Stay tuned as we unveil “Far & Fast,” and witness the fusion of humor and depth, the sonic and visual storytelling of Droïd Fantôm—a duality that speaks to the multifaceted nature of our existence and the art that emerges from it.
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