Just Rock! pour Lui Zadig & Voltaire 2017

Chiaroscuro is a term used in painting, especially during the Baroque period, referring to a technique that achieves depth of expression through light-dark contrasts.

Translating this concept to the world of fragrance fits just as well. I find it particularly pronounced in Just Rock.

It was created by Nathalie Lorson, a perfumer born in Grasse who had good conditions to develop a keen sense of smell; she has already crafted delights like Encre Noir and Bentley Intense. With Just Rock, she has also succeeded in creating a distinctive scent.

At first, a lot of darkness rolls in, manifesting as a concentrated dose of incense rounded off by black patchouli. Only after some time does the fragrance brighten in an unmistakable way: Is it the vanilla that pushes a sweet, almost fruity, fresh note over the dark carpet of incense? The fragrance pyramid doesn’t reveal much enlightening; it’s an indication that the perfumers are not really showing their cards. Whatever the case: I love the scent for this delicate contrast.

Just Rock can easily hold its own against fragrances from niche houses like Laboratorio Olfattivo. Their Nerotic recently came under my nose. I found it quite similar to Just Rock, even though incense is not explicitly mentioned in Nerotic's fragrance pyramid, but "smoky notes" are referenced. I found the sillage and longevity of Just Rock to be just as good, perhaps even a little better.

Unfortunately, Just Rock is on my partner's blacklist. In her presence, I am not allowed to wear the scent. Too smoky, too dark!