Montrealer Robert Robert, known for his electro hopecore songs combining sensitive lyrics and poignant arrangements, returned in 2025 with a new album of outstanding quality. With his usual descriptive, humble, almost childlike style, marked by existentialist questions, he sets his reflections to electro beats that skilfully blend a variety of sounds, including pop, techno and dance, with digital and acoustic instrumentation and sampling. The result is highly catchy and engaging, without ever falling into superficial pop. He tackles misfortune and vulnerability in “ISA,” the desire for an intimate escape from the rat race in “KIA RIO,” the desire to see the world through the eyes of a child and ignore negative influences in “SISI,” as well as his incessant questioning in “BOOST.” In the interlude “FUTUR,” a voice message from Sami Landri encourages Robert Robert to enjoy the present moment and let go of his worries. “OH GOD” expresses a cry from the heart: ‘Can I just live?’, a desire to return to simpler times. In “FMLP,” the artist rejects potential help, aware that he is repeating the same mistakes. The downtempo track “SHINE” begins in anguish before a surprising transition to a breath of hope.
In “VICTOIRE,” despite efforts to push aside doubts, they persist in the other person’s mind. With Virginie B, he explores hope amid insecurity in “POURVU,” set to a strong electro backdrop. The instrumental “LIFE IS GOING TOO FAST 4 ME” gives the impression of a breathless race towards a bright but uncertain future. Finally, “TYMPAN” closes the album with the image of a little mouse in a hole in the wall — fragile, discreet, but resilient; a rodent of the future.
It is this combination of deeply sensitive personal reflections and rich, effective electronic music that makes Robert Robert one of the most moving male artists of his generation.
