X-Centric Dunhill 2001 Eau de Toilette

2002. I not only frequent the wave and gothic clubs, but I am also always at the forefront when support is needed for organizing an event. In another comment, I mentioned the "Our Darkness" party series that a good friend of mine organized. The future-pop combo VNV Nation was very popular at the time, and the guys occasionally played in clubs as well. Just like they did here in our area. Mr. Pollito and I were present and met the two guys, whom we would see again in just a few weeks, along with the organizer and his partner, at their concert in Mainz on April 4th. However, only the two of us were in Mainz. Our friend apologized, as attending a concert that day was simply unthinkable for him. The reason: the icon Frank Tovey had passed away the day before, one of his greatest heroes. So, we both met the two guys, Mark and Ronan, alone. Ronan hugged me and asked about our friend. In doing so, I noticed a very pleasant, deliciously fresh yet also herbaceous-spicy scent on him. Back then, I wasn't as obsessed with fragrances as I am today, and due to the somewhat suffocating situation, I, of course, didn't ask what he was wearing. I still liked it, just as I enjoyed the subsequent concert, even though my thoughts kept returning to our grieving friend. I had also seen Tovey live and could empathize, but not as he could, who, being 10 years older than me, had experienced a completely different era of this scene's star.

About four weeks later. Mr. Pollito and I are on vacation in Spain, sniffing fragrances in a perfumery. Since my partner already owned the fragrance Desire from this brand at the time, which we both liked, he sprayed on the then-new X-Centric. And just like that - the images returned. Mainz, concert, Ronan. I told my beloved about it, and of course, he wanted the fragrance even more if a musician like Ronan wore it.

X-Centric is indeed a somewhat underrated fragrance; I have to agree with my predecessors. Although it is not discontinued yet, this pleasantly spicy newcomer, which never becomes too loud, has not quite managed to assert itself. However, it also has the advantage that you don't smell it on every corner. It always balances citrusy freshness and woody spiciness pleasantly without one side taking over. The flowers in the heart and the amber notes in the base make it soft and cuddly without letting it become too sweet. It clearly takes a masculine direction from start to finish. Yes, even Mr. Pollito looked great in this mix of spices and woods based on musk, which also brings a hint of animalic notes. A fragrance that, by the way, is very affordable and still absolutely comes across as modern, at least to my nose. You don't always need an Aventus for over 200 bucks :)