Essaie Pas

Essaie Pas is the Montreal-based duo of Marie Davidson and Pierre Guerineau, whose fusion of coldwave, minimal synth, and driving techno has garnered them international acclaim. Formed in 2010, their partnership channels the moody electronics of early industrial and new wave with a uniquely cinematic, French-Canadian twist. Both Davidson and Guerineau are multidisciplinary artists—Davidson, renowned for solo work and spoken word, delivers icy, evocative vocals often in French, while Guerineau’s background in audio engineering and experimental pop forms the backbone of their production.

Essaie Pas’s music explores themes of technology, alienation, nocturnal city life, and romantic detritus, weaving stark synths and propulsive rhythms with narrative songwriting. Their debut LP, *Demain est une autre nuit* (2016, DFA Records), drew praise for its pulsing, noir atmospheres and was shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. Subsequent releases like *New Path* (2018) foreground their literary influences, particularly science fiction, with nods to Philip K.

Dick and dystopian aesthetics. Their energetic live performances—often delivered in dimly-lit, stroboscopic club settings—are celebrated for their intensity and immersive storytelling. Beyond Essaie Pas, Davidson and Guerineau’s artistic collaboration extends into visual art and writing, further blurring boundaries between avant-garde, dance music, and performance.

Their body of work is regarded as a vital force in contemporary electronic underground, bridging European synth traditions with North American club culture.