If French touch, electropop, and dreamwave had a baby, it would be named Meridians.  Seriously these guys are at the pinnacle of all three genres and they’re killing it with their debut single “Animals,” released about a month ago.  Meridians is the collaboration of Florent De Maria and Pierre Sendrane.  They are often compared to Washed Out and M83, the reason being is that Sendrane spent six years playing drums for Team Ghost alongside former M83 member Nicholas Fromageau.  Well that, and they just do sound like an amazing blend of the chillwave Washed Out and French electropop M83.  ”Animals” and its counterpart, “Face B,” included on the single, epitomize this unreal blend of French touch and dreamwave.

 

Animals by Meridians.

Like I said, it doesn’t get any more binary than this right here. I know “binary” shouldn’t be an adjective, but i really can’t think of anything else to say. The first 40 or so seconds bring in those slow vibes that still pack a soulful punch, a rare phenomenon especially for an altogether mellow jam like “Animals.”  The bulk of the song, beginning around 1:40, channels the high energy of so many melodic tunes to come out of France recently.  And finally, around 2:20 the previously noted elements of electropop, dreamwave, and French electronic genius conform under light female vocals and the reappearing chorus..”You got a feeling”  ”Animals” is just one of those songs that are so well composed and the lyrics, synthesizers, and overall rhythm complement eachother so well that its bound to brighten your day.  Seriously, just try to have a bad day with this stuck in your head, its impossible.

Face B by Meridians.

A little more funk went into “Face B,” than “Animals.”  Following the washed out-essence of “Animals,” (Trying not to beat a dead horse, but it really does remind me of Washed Out) it sounds like a disco beach party just landed on the end of this EP.  One thing I’ve learned to appreciate about this kind of funky electronic music is how free flowing it becomes after you get into the real body of the song.  And I really couldn’t put it another way, the wavy synthesizer just takes you in and out with the occasional change-up.  Some fades here and there, a few build ups as well but the listener is always taken back to that primary tune that defines “Face B.”  I could listen to this song over and over without getting tired of it, that’s the effect it has on me.

In short, Meridians has truly outdone themselves for a debut single.  They have so many great sounds coming out of only two relatively short songs that it makes me anxious to see what they can do in the future.  Keep up the good work.