Fierbinteanu, the Brussels-based electro-punk duo, continue to push the boundaries of modern pop and sound art with their latest single, Merrymaking, released in late November 2025. Comprised of Gabriela (vocals, producer) and Cristian Fierbinteanu (producer, vocals, bass), the pair brings a unique blend of retro-electro, theatrical performance, and incisive social commentary to the forefront of contemporary music. Hailing from Bucharest and having traveled through Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, and Reykjavik, their diverse cultural influences are immediately apparent in the eclectic and cosmopolitan sound they present.

Merrymaking is a three-minute burst of retro-pop energy, characterized by bouncy, synth-driven instrumentation and infectious rhythms. Despite its upbeat and danceable nature, the song carries a layered, acidic critique of power, wealth, and spectacle. The track’s lyrics confront the world of “dictators and billionaires” with playful defiance, exploring the tension between cynicism and persistent hope. As Cristian Fierbinteanu explains, the song is not a protest anthem, but rather an artistic reflection on the human capacity to cling to optimism, even in the face of systemic absurdities. Lines like, “Hope springs eternal! It’s complicated, it’s what dictators can’t bear!” encapsulate this duality, merging wit with social consciousness.

Gabriela’s commanding vocal delivery forms the backbone of the track, oscillating between vulnerability and bold theatricality. Her voice, paired with the duo’s precise production, crafts a soundscape that feels both familiar and innovative. The synth layers, punctuated by syncopated beats and occasional acidic melodic flourishes, create a retro-electro atmosphere reminiscent of 1980s pop and early punk, while remaining unmistakably contemporary. The song’s energy is infectious, making it equally suitable for dance floors and attentive listening, where the lyrics reveal their pointed commentary on society and power structures.

The visual and artistic presentation of Merrymaking complements its sonic landscape. The cover art, a mysterious collage by Cristi Mărculescu, hints at the duo’s fascination with theatricality, spectacle, and social critique. Fierbinteanu’s dedication to visual storytelling extends beyond album artwork; their live performances, including shows in Brussels, Gothenburg, and Gent, have been widely praised for blending music, theater, and sound art into a fully immersive experience. These performances, along with their award-winning audio-drama production The Political Music Show, underscore the duo’s commitment to exploring the intersection of music, narrative, and performance.

Merrymaking is the second single from the duo this autumn, following September’s Women of the World. Both tracks hint at a future album tentatively described as Intergalactic Velvet Entertainment, promising a continuation of Fierbinteanu’s idiosyncratic exploration of love, power, and absurdity. While the song is steeped in commentary, it never loses its playfulness, making it a standout example of how electro-punk can be both critically engaged and irresistibly fun.

In summary, Merrymaking demonstrates Fierbinteanu’s ability to merge electro-pop, punk sensibilities, and theatrical sound design into a compelling package that is intellectually stimulating, sonically vibrant, and visually striking. With this release, the Brussels-based duo solidifies their position as innovative, fearless, and utterly captivating artists.

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