‘Rêvasseries Chevaleresques’ by Weress
‘Rêvasseries Chevaleresques’ by Weress
France’s Weress has produced some of the most intriguing and exciting dungeon synth in recent years. Albums like 2019’s The Dungeon on the Moon and 2022’s Au-Delà des Lieux Légendaires have established the artist as one to keep your eyes and ears open for whenever they make a move. Clad with mysterious white masks and a white crown, Weress pulls on a fantastical aesthetic to weave fantasy and dungeon synth flawlessly inspired by the medieval-rich landscape of Nouvelle-Aquitaine and the artist’s daydreams in their latest release Rêvasseries Chevaleresques, a title that translates to “Knightly Daydreams” in English.
“Lueurs Nocturnes” shows that Weress knows how to build an atmosphere with trickling synth notes before erupting into a steady march. It establishes this album as something more dramatic and contemplative than other dungeon synth albums that might focus on an atmosphere of comfort and longing.
“Forces de Guerriers” is a prime example of Weress's ability to create vivid atmospheres. The track features dramatic drum work and a plucking harm-style synth, evoking the image of great forces preparing for war. However, the tone feels more cosmic and mythic, adding a layer of intrigue. The track also incorporates unique sounds like the unsheathing of swords and rumbling gears, further enhancing the immersive experience. Similarly, “L'Appel du Vent” creates a spacious atmosphere with tinkling synthwork and waves of slushy ambiance, transporting the listener to a mythical realm.
Weress's mastery in creating immersive sonic landscapes is most evident in the standout track, “Cavalier Noir sur le Pont-Levis en Cristal.” The journey it takes you on is palpable, starting with the sound of a drawbridge opening, symbolizing a transition from a serene ambiance to a foreboding tone and eventually to a triumphant synthwork, mirroring a heroic journey. The song also features a lull, a moment of rest or doubt, before culminating in a dramatic and epic conclusion, adding an emotional depth that resonates with the listener.
“Aurores dans le Ciel” continues with a tone similar to the previous track, though it remains focused on providing sweeping chorals to the listener. Weress invites you into more reflective and peaceful moments with “Vingtenaires'' and “Les Trois Étoiles d'Or au Pic de la Montagne.” These tracks capture some of the central goals Weress had for Rêvasseries Chevaleresques, such as observing the passing of time and overcoming the sad episodes that life has to offer us with beautiful moments through reflecting on our fears, anger, and dreams.
“Nos Reflets” and “Les Racines” embody this reflective state further, with the synthwork capturing the essence of looking up to the stars, a symbol Weress employs a lot. Rêvasseries Chevaleresques concludes strong with this reflection, gathering various sweeping synths and dramatic drums before landing on one final sweeping twinkle.
