Words by Thomas Tobler

Presence is the debut album for French producer Petit Biscuit, and it’s highly anticipated released was timed perfectly, dropping on his 18th birthday. Petit Biscuit aka Mehdi Benjelloun wrote, produced and mixed Presence all on his own when he wasn’t completing his high school exams and touring overseas, and was mastered by legendary French engineer Chab.

It is the first body of music he has released since his debut EP came out in 2015, which contained the chilled house track ‘Sunset Lover’ that has been streamed over 350 million times to date.

Presence is a collection of future bass, chilled house and tropical house tunes that form an album that is space-inspired and atmospheric. The classically trained artist combines his skills on guitar, piano and cello with his own style of vocal sampling and electronics perfectly, taking you on an inter-galactic trip piloted by the man himself.

Listen to his curated playlist below:

Throughout the 13-track album, many of the songs follow a similar formula and style that can sometimes briefly lose your engagement, but it is songs like ‘Break Up’ and the title track ‘Presence’ that re-capture your attention with their heavy bass and club-like feel.

The collaborations with Lido, Panama, Bipolar Sunshine, SONIA and Cautious Clay all add their individual elements to take this album to the next level. The inclusion of guest vocalists as well as his use of heavily synthesised vocal samples give the album a solid balance in that department.

Including his breakout hit ‘Sunset Lover’ on this album amongst his new tracks really show how his style and skills have evolved since releasing his first EP. There are booming chorus’ elevated by grittier reverb, followed by soft breaks showcasing his gentle instrumentation that prove that at just 18 years old, Petit Biscuit is solidifying his place in the worldwide scene.

Listen to the album in full below, and share your thoughts on it.