The astronomical rise in dance and electronic music has certainly paved the way for many DJs to conquer the mainstream, with the likes of Calvin Harris, Deadmau5 and David Guetta subsequently becoming household names, it means more and more DJs are gradually getting recognition and creating new sub genres. Yet unlike it’s mainstream counterpart, these new sub genres tend to favour artistic freedom and originality.
If you’re after something a little more idiosyncratic, clever and atmospheric, you should look no further than to Paris based electronic trio Flechette. The trio’s quirkier end of the electro spectrum has certainly turned some heads within the underground scene, and has put them under the radar of Brighton based label Cream Collective and a host of producers including Ozzie and XXTrakt.
Following on from joining Cream Collective, the group consisting of brothers Josh Torrent and Andy-Lou Pentier as well as Tana Gayle, released their first EP titled Seize in May 2013. The EP available for free download on Facebook has a slightly more commercial element compared to their newer works found on their SoundCloud page. Although the group has ventured away from their more commercial roots and moved towards a more experimental sound, the mix is without a doubt, something that would entrance any club reveller.
“Caravan”:
The new direction for the Parisian group can be defined by the infectious tune “Caravan”. Varien recently described the track as ‘Arabic twerk music’, with the reason being pretty self-explanatory after the first bass drop. The piece begins with the lush strings soundscape setting a distinctive Middle Eastern vibe. A Hip-Hop beat enters the mix, building up in intensity until the drop; a synth combined with a clarinet melody using the double harmonic scale makes the piece, with the heavy bass line epitomizing an underground trap anthem.
Another track “Bazuka” is a piece that represents the transition period from a slightly more commercial approach to a more experimental and unique style. The ethereal vocals contrast well with the heavier industrialised sounds creating a mesmerizing dream like atmosphere. The various sections are punctuated by a varied array of colours and timbres that accentuate each individual sound sample, while the heavenly synth pad soundscapes floats around each section.
It is a track that can have you hooked in a matter of seconds, but it is not until the second drop in the final quarter where the piece really starts to take off; a flurry of synth stabs and an expertly controlled use of digital sound ultimately brings the song to a thrilling climax. However, the trio’s most recent release “Wavey” is unlike their prior work, the track delves into the listeners subconscious with an irresistibly twisted melody. The song reflects a more mellow side to the group. Its languid and hypnotizing motif sways the listener holding them captive to their distinctive vibe.
“Bazuka”:
Over the past year, the group have been building their fan base, spanning across Europe meanwhile cementing their position amongst the most exciting new talents in the French electronic scene, collaborating with acts such as Tomsize and supporting more well known trap artists such as DJ Snake, famous for the hit “Turn Down For What” featuring Lil Jon, and successfully bringing the dance sub genre into the mainstream. They have also gained support from the founder of ‘Mad Decent’ record label Diplo. It may still be early on in their career but the Parisian based trio will continue to pick up attention with their distinctive fluctuating style, and are certainly a group to keep under your radar.
Keep Tabs on Flechette: Facebook // Soundcloud // Twitter
Words by Alex Clarke // Edited by Ayo Adepoju
