Mandarina's Latest EP: A Retro-Futuristic Synth Pop Odyssey

The lyrics, drawn directly from the realms of science fiction, channel the anxieties of contemporary society—a world haunted by climate crises and apprehension about an impending collapse. It encapsulates a fervent desire to live fully in the face of diminishing time, provoking a range of responses from heightened environmental consciousness to embracing hedonistic impulses.

The EP's centerpiece, Le soleil ne se couche plus, not only serves as the musical spine but also birthed an intriguing visual narrative in its accompanying video. Utilizing artificial intelligence tools—Lexica and Kaiber—the duo embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration, echoing the retro-futuristic essence of the song itself. A visual marvel, akin to modern science fiction literature, draws parallels to the works of Catherine Dufour and Liu Cixin, evoking a rhythmic and psychedelic homage to the genre.

Utilizing artificial intelligence tools—Lexica and Kaiber—the duo embarked on a groundbreaking collaboration, echoing the retro-futuristic essence of the song itself.

Marking a transition for the duo from their initial EP Lui (2020) to the subsequent Eldorado (2022), Le soleil ne se couche plus serves as a bridge between their past and future soundscape. The EP's first half resonates with tropical, soulful, and electronic influences akin to their previous releases. Opening with the cosmic-tropical and New Wave vibes of "A l’ombre d’un mirage" and segueing into the groovy homage of Sylvia Was Here, the EP delves into personal narratives, culminating in the emotive ballad Villa Adriana, unraveling Paola's childhood trauma poetically.

The latter half steers toward a future—both of the world, rife with disquieting thoughts, and the duo's musical trajectory. Tracks like the almost instrumental Ultravioleta evoke an '80s science fiction film score, while Tierra Llora speaks of the pervasive violence in Paola's native Colombia. The EP crescendos with the explosive titular track, completing this musical odyssey. Already steering towards their next album, Mandarina bids adieu to this chapter with Le soleil ne se couche plus, signaling an evolution that promises an even freer, occasionally weightier, but always a journey shared by two contrasting souls.