MatAre’s "The Siren" Delivers a Haunting and Exhilarating Dive into Darkwave Soundscapes
- STAFF
- Feb 15
- 3 min read
By: Staff
MatAre just released "The Siren," and we’re thrilled to dive into it! This is our first time experiencing his music, and we’re honestly shocked we hadn’t discovered him sooner. The track is exceptional in so many ways.
From the very first moment, with a subliminal opening of a heavily reverberated cymbal-synth sound, we instantly felt that MatAre was the kind of artist who wouldn’t just think outside the box but would fully immerse us in an exhilarating sonic experience. As we envision the imagery of the sun falling from the sky on YouTube channel visualizer, it becomes impossible not to be completely captivated by this song. The beats are deliberate and driving, yet thunderous and commanding. Just three seconds in, and we’re already profoundly impressed.
When the vocals emerge, they possess an ethereal, almost cosmic, godlike presence, smoothly and powerfully delivered while carrying that unmistakable '90s laissez-faire attitude that adds an extra layer of intrigue for the listener. The contrast between the dreamy yet authoritative vocal style and the pulsating instrumentation makes for an intoxicating mix.
Certain lines are delivered with an unexpected explosiveness, adding a dynamic cadence and emotional intensity that amplifies the impact of the lyrics. This element of embellishment is something we truly admire.
When the guitars strike, they’re powerful and chiming, placed high in the mix and demanding attention. We love the background harmonies that MatAre skillfully incorporates, adding another level of ear candy to the soundscape. The influence of '90s alternative rock is undeniable, with a distinct nod to The Cure, yet the song maintains its own fresh, contemporary identity. As the beat intensifies, it evokes a sensation of running, only to be momentarily halted by a sudden break. And as we watch the sun continue its descent into the ocean, the reverberations pull us deeper into the rhythm, engulfing us completely.
Then comes the lyrical icing on the cake:
"But now I’m all alone in the dark Black Sea / I can’t swim no more."
This moment hits hard. The imagery of being unable to swim is universally evocative, conjuring an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and isolation that resonates deeply with the listener.
The beats are absolutely infectious, pounding relentlessly as MatAre continues delivering the message with unwavering intensity, making it impossible to focus on anything else.
The guitars flow like rushing water, and the vocals crash over you like waves. It’s a heart-pounding, exhilarating experience from start to finish.
We absolutely loved this thrill ride of a performance. MatAre, the solo endeavor of Matt Rousseau, is a name synonymous with darkly immersive soundscapes. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, MatAre fuses post-punk, new wave, and goth rock into a distinctive sonic blend that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. "The Siren" marks a departure from the artist’s usual introspective themes, instead weaving a narrative that explores the allure and peril lurking beneath the ocean’s surface. As we felt from this performance the artist stated there was inspiration from The Cure’s "The Forest". The demo was initially recorded in Jacksonville, Florida, but what makes this track even more compelling is its unique vocal production, captured at night in a lifeguard enclosure along the beach to authentically capture the song’s eerie essence.
We love everything about MatAre and the exciting performances he creates and we highly recommend checking out his work.
You can find this release on any major platform, make sure to playlist, stream, and share "The Siren".
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