El Cousteau has always had an ineffable style and unreplicable energy in his delivery, making his songs addicting to listen to and effectively lassos the listener into his world. However, Merci, Non Merci did more than just capture my attention, and it is more than just an experiment. This project is as equally unique and confident as it is seminal, as it establishes the foundations of excellence that El Cousteau will inevitably achieve throughout his career. It’s hard to choose a favorite aspect, moment, or trait from this album because I find myself constantly discovering new characteristics to love that I haven’t found in any other album from 2024. Merci, Non Merci is an emotional and personal message in an impenetrable shield of self-confidence and reassurance that floats in a hectic sea of eccentric production, raunchy basslines, and playful melodies.

It reads:

“Everything is going to work out the way it is supposed to.”