Italian producer Matty, known by his artistic moniker Ellecelles, returns with his latest single, “Living Twice”, a nearly-shoegaze-dream-punk-wave track that delves into the complex duality of human experience. From the very first moments, an icy, industrial synth pad sets a tense and hypnotic atmosphere, immediately drawing listeners into a world where internal contradictions and emotional extremes coexist.

The track masterfully balances ethereal textures with post-punk propulsion. Hypnotic lead keys echo like a recurring dream, while a Peter Hook-inspired bassline anchors the sound with its iconic drive. The drums, borrowing groove and production techniques from post-punk predecessors, add both urgency and momentum, creating a sonic landscape that is at once chaotic and meticulously controlled. The result is a song that feels immersive and cinematic, pulling the listener through the highs and lows of its emotional narrative.

“Living Twice” lyrically examines the tension between contrasting versions of oneself. Matty explains that the song is about “the moments where you question everything, feeling both completely lost and strangely found.” The lyrics reflect an unfiltered stream of consciousness, addressing the push and pull of desire, ambition, and failure, and the emotional weight of living through experiences so intense they feel like a second life. There is raw honesty here, offering a sense of shared introspection for listeners who navigate their own internal contradictions.

Matty’s production approach is as much a part of the song’s identity as its composition. Entirely self-made, he plays every instrument, writes every lyric, and records and arranges the track in his Veneto home studio. His obsession with creating layered “walls of sound” goes beyond simple distortion, weaving complex textures that are simultaneously lush, melodic, and propulsive. Influences from shoegaze luminaries like My Bloody Valentine, Swallow, and Starflyer 59 blend seamlessly with dream-pop elegance à la Cocteau Twins, modern shoegaze acts like Slow Crush, and atmospheric psychedelia inspired by Tame Impala and M83.

What makes “Living Twice” particularly compelling is its emotional and sonic duality. It unites post-punk grooves with dream-pop romance, creating a track that is both reflective and forward-driving. It’s a song that encourages listeners to lose themselves in layered textures while confronting the personal contradictions embedded in the lyrics.

Ultimately, “Living Twice” is a testament to Ellecelles’ skill as a self-sufficient producer and songwriter. It is immersive, imaginative, and emotionally resonant—a track that captures the tension, beauty, and complexity of living fully, even when carrying multiple versions of oneself. For fans of shoegaze, dream-pop, and post-punk, Ellecelles offers a sonic journey that lingers long after the music fades.

Connect with ELLECIELLES on

Instagram