Patchouli of the Underworld

Revisiting my review on this gorgeous piece after 1 year. I have probably worn this only once or twice in this time and I couldn't be more happy to own it. Why? Novelty! I fully stand by the fact that PotU is doing it's own thing and is hard to put in a box. It's not versatile and it doesn't cater to any crowd, neither the mass appeal nor the odd ball stink snobs. Originality is in short supply gentlemen, I'm glad this piece got some coverage on release (probably because of the free bottles) but it's falling into the obscurity that so many novel pieces go to. We complain constantly that so many new fragrance releases are alike but when something new comes along we are ignorant and offended that it doesn't smell like we expect it to. We want originality but don't like our expectations subverted. It's the same here as in the movie/entertainment business and it's the reason big companies like Disney or xerjoff take advantage of us. In a way, we sort of ask them to through willful ignorance and our laziness in educating ourselves and our tastes. It's the "Apple effect", I bought the new iphone at release so it has to be great. By all means don't buy perfumes you don't like but give credit to original thinkers and less money to companies who take advantage of you. I'm sorry if this all comes across as me talking down to people, I'm really not. I have made bad, impulsive, sad buys and my first response was to protect my fragile impulsive little toddler self by repressing. I know it's an effort to look at yourself and see the things you don't want to see but honest to God this is the path of growth and maturity that one has to take, otherwise there is little growth, both in an individual fragrance journey or as a collective community.

Mathys' scent opens with a whisper of citrus and spice, but the star quickly emerges: a deep, velvety patchouli that anchors the composition. Unlike the dusty, vintage-laden patchouli of yesteryear, this one is smooth and rounded. It is reminiscent of the high-quality patchouli found in Psychédélique, but without the musty, timeworn wardrobe vibe. It’s clean, slightly soapy, and softened by amber warmth. As the fragrance develops, a leathery accord begins to unfurl, adding a smoky, slightly animalic edge that leans just masculine enough to give it gravitas. This leathery nuance, paired with the patchouli, draws comparisons to Le Lion de Chanel, though Patchouli of the Underworld is decidedly softer (almost soapier), and less resinous. To be clear, it’s not a clone, maybe a distant cousin. The drydown is where the magic settles. Hints of incense and woods linger closer to the skin, creating an aura effect that feels both grounded and ethereal... so here's your reference to the underworld! The performance is solid: it lasts all day with moderate projection for the first 2-3 hours. While it is appropriate for colder months, careful application makes it versatile year-round. As with most Electimuss creations, the bottle is a (heavy) statement piece. I really like the gold and green livery contrast. The sprayer is excellent, pressurised. All in all, worth sampling if you are into modern patchouli interpretations (and if you are a fan of Le Lion)!

Patchouli of the Underworld is a hard scent to write a review for. I'll start by saying that I bought it, my last purchase of the year, and it's a good one for me. This is original, it smells like nothing on the market and I mean that in a creative, not commercial sense. Nothing does what this does, it doesn't really have any box you can put it into. It is strange and interesting. This one is more of a collection piece than one I'll get a lot of wear out of. It also makes me curious to see what Kevin Mathys will do in the future because this is creative and original. For the scent itself it's well blended, the patchouli is of the green variety, no chocolate here, more old musty. That's honestly all I can say, it is really really it's own thing. My so says it smells like old priest garments from an ancient church, I feel the same way, POU smells of something ancient, in that sense it nails it's theme. It does not nail the brand write-up, please don't buy this if what you want is a seductive leather-patchouli, this is not sexy and it's not appealing, it's not repulsive either. I'll say it is strange and interesting. For me this was a great buy, I think the price is fair because it is completely original, great quality and it makes for a great collection piece. In short, I love it, this is great for the seasoned collector, but try before you buy!

Really good perfume. It's vintage but modern at the same time. Reminds me a bit of Antaeus in the opening due to the animalics, but then turns into a different beast. Quite smoky, leather-ish and sweet. Probably one of the classiest leather interpretations I've tried. Leather accords usually turns into a banana skin scent on my skin, but on this one is much, much less prominent since it's well blended, high quality and used in the right amount. Keep in mind however that this is not a projection beast (around 2-3 hrs). It's not loud and intentionally so. Definitely not for teenagers and casual users. You can still feel that sticky castoreum note lingering around even after hour 9-10. Turns into a skin scent around hour 4-5. So quite long lasting. It's expensive, but it's very high quality.

On the test strip, I wasn't sold. Wearing this made me a believer. Beautiful take on patchouli. My wife can't stand castoreum and barely accepts patchouli. Therefore, I wouldn't get many opportunities to wear. However, she is out of the house today and I will sit at home and soak this up. Love it. Leathery, resinous, and a beautiful patch!!!! It can be found at a reasonable price at discounters. May try to sneak this in my collection. Fantastic. So far, one of my favorites from Electimuss. I also liked Kajal IV but from what I remember, I am not sure they are that similar. Alas, my sample of IV ran out and I can't compare.