Born out of necessity during the Covid-19 pandemic, ROUÉ —Schahryar Kananian and Steffen Andrae—has managed to craft their sound without ever sharing the same physical space. Their debut EP, “Eastwest / Remote,” is dropping on June 28th, 2024, and it promises to be a captivating blend of alt rock, indie and pop influences.
ROUÉ’s sound is a fascinating evolution from the work of PSSGS, a band we’ve spotlighted before here on IDIOTEQ. While PSSGS had their own distinct style, ROUÉ ventures into more experimental territory, weaving together indie, Radiohead-inspired elements with a touch of Persian psychedelia. It’s like taking a journey through pulsing electronic landscapes, accented by Arabic string melodies and intricate drum rhythms.
The EP “Eastwest / Remote” features six tracks that are as eclectic as they are cohesive. You’ll find a mix of indie pop, electronic music, post-punk, dark jazz, and oriental sounds. Kananian and Andrae’s collaboration brings together Kananian’s indie and psychedelic background with Andrae’s post-punk DIY ethos and occasional jazz explorations.
ROUÉ makes it their own with a heavier reliance on electronic and post-punk textures.
Lyrically, the songs delve into themes of longing and the surreal worlds that grew in our minds during lockdown.
Kananian’s vocals move fluidly from melancholy to contemplative, sometimes soaring into falsettos reminiscent of Oriental scales.
The synthesizers and atmospheric soundscapes give the music an ethereal quality, while sharp guitars and distorted tones add a sense of urgency and introspection. The drumming—a blend of samples and live recordings—captures the unique blend of intimacy and distance that marked the band’s creative process.
To perfect their sound, ROUÉ teamed up with Hamburg-based electronic producer Lukas Endhardt.
The artwork for “Eastwest / Remote” is just as thought-provoking, with design by Fabian Bremer and a painting by New York artist A.T. Gregor. Gregor’s piece, “Pressed upon a Pane,” resonates deeply with the EP’s themes of isolation and yearning.
ROUÉ is firmly rooted in the DIY tradition.
They’ve handled the recording, production, and release of their debut entirely on their own. “Eastwest / Remote” will be available digitally and on 12” vinyl, offering a tangible piece of their musical journey.
If you’re looking for something fresh and experimental with a Radiohead twist, ROUÉ is a band you need to check out. Their debut promises to be a fascinating listen, capturing the essence of creative collaboration in the digital age.
Keep in the loop!
🗞️ Subscribe on Substack
🔔 Join our Messenger and WhatsApp
📜 Get daily news via Instagram Stories
Your support keeps us alive!
IDIOTEQ is a one-man DIY operation, tirelessly spotlighting the local cultural scenes and independent bands that often go unreported elsewhere. Born in the early 00s, this platform has been committed to giving hard-working artists the high-quality coverage they truly deserve.
No ads, no distractions—just pure inspiration and a genuine focus on independent artists and their stories.
Please consider helping keep IDIOTEQ ad-free and in tune with the indie scene by donating today.
DONATE via PayPal 𝗈𝗋 SUPPORT via Patreon
100% of the funds collected go toward maintaining and improving this magazine. Every contribution, however big or small, is super valuable.
Your support ensures that we continue to be a place where you can discover, learn, and get inspired, without any advertising noise. Thank you for being a part of this musical journey.
