Ten years after its release captivated audiences and reshaped French pop music, Flavien Berger’s critically acclaimed album Léviathan is experiencing a renaissance. Berger, known for his intricate electronic soundscapes, has embarked on a unique project: transforming the solitary creation into a collective experience with the musical ensemble La Brume. This reimagining culminated in a special concert at the iconic Bataclan in Paris, a performance that was broadcast by France Inter on June 15, 2025.
Léviathan, released in April 2015, was lauded as a “dizzying album, a sonic labyrinth between aquatic reveries and hallucinatory poetry,” according to reports from the concert. The album quickly became a defining work of the 2010s, characterized by hypnotic loops reminiscent of Suicide and emotionally resonant melodies. Now, Berger is challenging himself and his audience by bringing these deeply personal electronic explorations to life on stage with a full band.
The project, titled plouf! (Léviathan), isn’t simply a re-performance of the original album. It’s a radical transformation. Each track is deconstructed and rebuilt, trading the cold precision of electronic music for a “disturbing organic warmth,” as described by France Inter. This marks the first time Berger has performed live with an accompanying ensemble to promote the legendary album.
The concert at the Bataclan, presented by Matthieu Conquet, represents a significant shift for Berger, who initially composed Léviathan in isolation. He took a “magnificent risk” by collaborating with La Brume, a collective of musicians dedicated to reinventing the sonic experience. The result is a vibrant, collaborative performance that breathes new life into a beloved album.
From Solitary Creation to Collective Sound
Berger’s decision to collaborate on plouf! (Léviathan) signifies a departure from his previous creative process. The album’s original form was born from a solitary vision, exploring “intimate electronic abysses.” Now, those depths are being navigated with a shared energy and a broader instrumental palette. The transformation isn’t merely additive; it’s a fundamental reimagining of the material.
The concert footage available on YouTube showcases this dynamic shift. Flavien Berger & La Brume perform “Turquoise (La fête noire)” live, demonstrating the expanded sonic textures and the interplay between the musicians. The performance, recorded on May 15, 2025, offers a glimpse into the energy of the Bataclan show.
‘Léviathan’ – A Decade of Impact
Released on Bandcamp in 2015, Léviathan quickly garnered a dedicated following. Fans praised its innovative sound and emotional depth, with one commenter describing it as “the best french album since ‘Parcs’ from Bertrand Belin.” The album features tracks like “88888888,” “Abyssinie,” and “La Fête Noire,” each contributing to the album’s unique atmosphere.
The album’s enduring influence is evident in the enthusiasm surrounding the plouf! (Léviathan) project. The concert at the Bataclan wasn’t just a celebration of the album’s tenth anniversary; it was a testament to its lasting impact on the French music scene. The performance offered a new perspective on a familiar work, inviting audiences to rediscover Léviathan through a collaborative lens.
A New Chapter for Berger and La Brume
The collaboration with La Brume and the concert at the Bataclan mark a pivotal moment in Flavien Berger’s career. The artist, who also released “Mi rey (Léviathan)” with La Brume in June 2025, as seen on YouTube, has successfully translated his introspective electronic world into a dynamic live experience. This performance, broadcast by France Inter, promises to reach a wider audience and solidify Léviathan’s legacy for years to come.
As Berger continues to explore new sonic territories with La Brume, fans can anticipate further evolution, and innovation. The success of plouf! (Léviathan) suggests a promising future for this collaborative project, and a continued exploration of the boundaries between electronic music and live performance. The concert at the Bataclan wasn’t just a performance; it was a rebirth, and a signal of exciting things to come.
The reimagining of Léviathan with La Brume demonstrates the power of collaboration and the enduring appeal of innovative music. The project’s success suggests a growing appetite for artists who are willing to challenge themselves and redefine their creative boundaries. What remains to be seen is how Berger and La Brume will continue to evolve this dynamic partnership and what new sonic landscapes they will explore in the future.
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