Closed Mouth: Cold Wave Introspection in ‘These Things I Could Never Describe’

The French solo project Closed Mouth has released a new single, ‘These Things I Could Never Describe,’ continuing its exploration of cold wave and dark wave aesthetics. The track maintains the project’s signature use of minimal synth arrangements, subdued vocals, and introspective themes, aligning with the broader resurgence of post-punk-influenced music across Europe and North America.

The release comes at a time when interest in genres rooted in the post-punk movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s has grown steadily, particularly among younger audiences seeking alternatives to contemporary mainstream pop and rock. Dark wave and cold wave, with their emphasis on emotional restraint and analog textures, have found renewed relevance through digital distribution platforms and independent music communities. In this context, Closed Mouth has emerged as a consistent presence, particularly among listeners drawn to the genre’s historical roots and evolving interpretations.

While the release has not received widespread media coverage, initial responses from listeners on platforms such as Bandcamp have been positive. Supporters have noted the track’s atmospheric sound and its continuity with the aesthetic of earlier releases by the artist. In a niche genre that values consistency and authenticity, ‘These Things I Could Never Describe’ appears to reinforce Closed Mouth’s standing within the underground dark wave scene.

The Mind Behind Closed Mouth

Closed Mouth is the solo project of Yannick Rault, a French musician who has steadily built a reputation within the dark wave and cold wave scenes through a series of independently released albums and singles. Based in France, Rault began the project as a personal outlet, drawing on influences from post-punk, minimal wave, and early 1980s European cold wave. His work is defined by a stripped-down, analog-inspired sound, typically featuring sparse drum patterns, moody synthesizer lines, and low-register vocals that emphasize emotional restraint.

Rault has maintained a low public profile, with few interviews or promotional campaigns, choosing instead to let the music speak for itself. His discography, however, reflects a consistent and deliberate progression. Releases such as ‘Loveless,’ ‘Far From Here,’ ‘Hours & Hours,’ and ‘Endless Words’ document a developing sound that, while grounded in the conventions of cold wave, has expanded in tone and texture. Each project builds upon the last, reinforcing Rault’s interest in minimalist songwriting and atmospheric production.

Closed Mouth has released music primarily through Bandcamp and similar platforms, cultivating a following that values the genre’s underground ethos and its emphasis on emotional introspection. Though largely absent from mainstream media, the project has earned recognition within niche music circles for its fidelity to the original spirit of cold wave, particularly among fans of early French and Belgian acts that helped shape the genre. Rault’s approach—self-produced, independently distributed, and aesthetically consistent—has positioned Closed Mouth as a contemporary voice within a movement that prizes authenticity over commercial visibility.

Latest Single: ‘These Things I Could Never Describe’

Released on March 28, 2025, via Bandcamp, ‘These Things I Could Never Describe’ is the latest single from Closed Mouth and reflects the project’s continued adherence to the stylistic conventions of cold wave. Written, performed, and self-produced by Yannick Rault, the track builds on the artist’s established approach—favoring sparse arrangements, subdued synth lines, and a restrained vocal presence that emphasizes mood over embellishment.

The song addresses themes of emotional inarticulacy and psychological restraint. While the lyrics have not been officially published, the title alone suggests a reflection on the limits of expression and the struggle to communicate complex internal states—consistent with Rault’s long-standing focus on introspective subject matter. These themes align with the broader lyrical tendencies of cold wave, a genre that often prioritizes atmosphere and suggestion over direct narrative.

Though released without accompanying promotional material or interviews, the single has been met with strong listener feedback on Bandcamp. One supporter wrote, “This sound takes me back to another time and another place in the ’90s when I was immersed in music by The Cure, This Mortal Coil, Dead Can Dance, Trisomie 21 and others… beautiful track.” Comments such as these highlight the immersive quality of the song and its fidelity to the sonic identity Closed Mouth has cultivated over time. While the single does not depart significantly from earlier work, it demonstrates a subtle refinement in production and composition, reinforcing the project’s continued relevance within the contemporary cold wave revival.

Genre Context: Cold Wave and the French Connection

Cold wave, the genre most closely associated with Closed Mouth, originated in late 1970s and early 1980s Europe—particularly in France and Belgium—as a regional offshoot of post-punk. Defined by its use of minimal instrumentation, analog synthesizers, and emotionally detached vocal delivery, cold wave emerged as a response to the political and social disillusionment of the era. Its sound drew influence from British acts such as Joy Division and Siouxsie and the Banshees, but maintained a distinct identity through its stark production and emphasis on mood over melody.

In France, the genre became closely tied to underground labels and independent radio circuits, with bands like Trisomie 21, Asylum Party, and Little Nemo shaping its early trajectory. These groups helped solidify cold wave as both a musical and cultural movement—marked by introspection, alienation, and aesthetic austerity. While the genre never achieved mainstream popularity, it cultivated a dedicated following, particularly among youth subcultures disillusioned with commercial music trends.

The 2000s and 2010s saw a resurgence of interest in cold wave, aided by digital platforms and archival reissues. New artists began to reinterpret the genre, often blending it with elements of dark wave, synth-pop, and industrial music. Closed Mouth operates firmly within this modern revival, drawing on the historical foundations of cold wave while maintaining a distinctly contemporary perspective. The project’s consistent use of minimal arrangements and thematic restraint aligns it with the genre’s origins, while its self-released model reflects the evolving landscape of independent music production.

Within both the French and broader European underground scenes, Closed Mouth has become part of a lineage that values artistic self-containment and emotional precision. Its adherence to cold wave conventions places it within a tradition that resists commercial assimilation, emphasizing continuity with a genre that remains culturally and sonically relevant.

Conclusion

‘These Things I Could Never Describe’ reinforces Closed Mouth’s position as a consistent voice within the cold wave revival and reflects the durability of a genre often overlooked in mainstream narratives. In an era dominated by algorithm-driven distribution and promotional saturation, Yannick Rault’s deliberate avoidance of press cycles and public appearances underscores a model of independent music-making grounded in direct audience engagement and genre fidelity.

The single does not aim to redefine the cold wave tradition but rather to sustain it through incremental refinement and thematic coherence. For listeners attuned to the introspective, minimal, and emotionally restrained character of the genre, the track offers a familiar yet relevant experience—one that engages with personal and collective memory through a carefully controlled sonic language.

More than just a new release, ‘These Things I Could Never Describe’ represents an ongoing commitment to preserving the emotional clarity and aesthetic discipline that define cold wave. It offers a reminder that music can still function as a deeply personal form of expression, even in a highly mediated cultural landscape. In this way, the track contributes meaningfully to the genre’s continued presence in contemporary independent music.

We invite readers to share their thoughts, stories, and reflections related to Closed Mouth—whether through the music itself, a live performance, or a moment when a track resonated at the right time. What role has the band’s work played in your listening life? How does it speak to your own experiences with memory, introspection, or solitude? Join the conversation below and help document the cultural imprint of this ongoing project.