STRANGELOVE NYC
deadofnight EDP
2014
PERFUMER
Christophe Laudamiel
oud
damask rose
Violet
vanilla balsam
sandalwood
amber
musk
‘…there’s always a deep breath before a plunge into the deadofnight
deadofnight empowers its devotées to take risks and dive into their desires. It is imbued with the seductive power of oud, a precious aromatic wood resin. Coveted, rare, and requiring careful precision to source sustainably—oud has been prized for centuries for its deeply complex scent and aphrodisiac effect. This compelling fragrance is balanced with the serenity of Damask rose, natural Violet, vanilla balsam, and the nuanced warmth of sandalwood, amber and musk. The result is an addictive potion with a lingering sensuality. The first fragrance created by strangelove, deadofnight is adored, sparking intrigue amongst all who experience it. ‘ – StrangeLove
DeadOfNight (Dead Of Night) is a rather daring oud, but one that I can absolutely get behind.
To me, this comes across like a sour-ish rolling tobacco. First, you’re greeted with what seems to be a skanky oud, but it grows fruitier on my skin quickly. More acidic, but also a bit sweet. And perhaps mostly, it gets tart. At the same time, it feels wet and dense, maybe even a bit creamy; no dry woods or tobacco, but a moist, dense mix with the skank completely intertwined with brighter, tart facets.
It takes a while to settle, before I can get a sense of florality in DeadOfNight. I can see an overlap with wet rose-patchouli scents such as Jazeel Ghala, but the earthiness is replaced with a much more prolonged skanky edge in the Strangelove. The acidity equally strong, but instead of citrus, it has a dirtier, unexplainable vibe to it.
It takes even longer for that daring edge to make way for smoother base of sweet woods and amber. In general, DeadOfNight seems to have great longevity and projection. This makes the wear quite a commitment, but one that pays of as a ‘special event’; I think that those who know what they’re getting into, will be pleased with the level of eccentricity that DeadOfNight brings; it won’t be mistaken for your average Sephora fragrance and that’s what you want from a fragrance of this caliber and price point.
Upon first smelling the Strangelove, DeadOfNight was my second favorite, behind MeltMyHeart. Upon smelling it again and wearing it properly, I still enjoy it a lot. As far as comparisons goes; this is a stand out fragrance, but it does remind me of Widian Gold I/Al Wasl most; very similar style if my memory serves me correctly.