Broken heart syndrome is no fictional disorder. The phenomenon has a name: Tako Tsubo (or "octopus trap" in Japanese). It's an upheaval of the senses, an emotional burnout... It weakens the heart's main pumping chamber brought on by intense emotional distress: an earthquake or a natural disaster, or something less (literally) earth shattering like the loss of a loved one or the angst felt when one is spurned by a lover. Modern science is yet to find a cure. Tako Tsubo is a breakup album, and Matahari's romantic streak - predicated on the idea of an idealised heroine - has made way for a landscape more anchored in reality. L'Impératrice has certainly kept his taste for dance, groove on a virtuoso bass, vintage synths and glittery melodies. But gave himself the freedom to explore other lands, to step aside. It's a journey that has broadened the horizons of all of those who sail in the Empress. As for the elegance of the production, L'Impératrice has again teamed up with Renaud Letang (Jarvis Cocker, Liane La Havas, Feist), with the mighty Neal Pogue (Outkast, Stevie Wonder, Tyler the Creator) adding his mastery to the mixing. Perhaps most surprising is the deep exploration of the avenues of the heart, and in particular, the left ventricle. Ambivalent love, euphoria, sorrow and madness: so many symptoms which, taken together, suggest a bad dose of Tako Tsubo. It's a syndrome that leaves the heart damaged, submerged, swollen. And more alive than ever.
Release date:
March 26, 2021
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Nobsound Little Bear T7 Tube Preamp
Delivers rich, warm audio through its high-quality vacuum tubes, featuring multiple inputs and adjustable gain
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Pro-Ject Phono Box DC Pre-Amp
Compact, high-performance phono preamplifier for both MM and MC cartridges, delivering a clean, detailed signal with minimal noise.
-
Ortofon 2M Blue Premounted
Mounted on the SH-4 Black Headshell, this setup delivers exceptional clarity, dynamic range, and accurate sound reproduction.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Solence Angels Calling (Red)
Better Noise Music
October 3, 2025 -
Soft Play Are You Satisfied [2xLP]
Emi Import
September 5, 2025 -
Acumen Nation Transmissions From Eville (30th Anniversary)
Distortion Productions
October 10, 2025 -
Dean Wareham That's the Price of Loving Me (Desert Haze Tan)
Carpark Records
August 15, 2025 -
Galaxie 500 CBGB 12.13.88
Silver Current
August 8, 2025 -
Marissa Nadler New Radiations
Sacred Bones
August 15, 2025 -
Ed Sheeran Play
Atlantic
September 12, 2025 -
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard King Gizzard (Live In Las Vegas '24; Triple Splatter) [3xLP]
Reverberation Appreciation Soc
August 22, 2025 -
BABYMETAL METAL FORTH
Capitol
August 8, 2025 -
Tallah Primeval: Obsession // Detachment
Earache Records
September 5, 2025 -
Rhys Fulber Memory Impulse Autonomy
Artoffact Records
September 12, 2025 -
Jennie Ruby Vinyl
Columbia Records Group
August 22, 2025 -
Flyte Between You and Me
Nettwerk Records
August 29, 2025 -
Original Broadway Cast of Just In Time Jonathan Groff Just In Time
Atlantic
October 24, 2025