Discreet are a French blackgaze, post-rock and shoegaze group from Lyon, formed in 2003. The project is led by Fursy Teyssier and begins as a side project alongside Phest, with Teyssier using it as a place to combine music and visual art. Teyssier is also an illustrator, and the project is described as a platform for bringing together music and art.

Formation and line-up

Discreet begins as a solo project, with Teyssier as the only member until 2009. French musicians Winterhalter and Audrey Hadorn later join the line-up. Winterhalter is the only member listed in the verified facts, and the group remains active.

Both Teyssier and Winterhalter are members of the now-disbanded Amesoeurs. Teyssier also performs as a live member of Alcest until June 2010, while Winterhalter is a full-time drummer in Alcest. In 2013, Teyssier says that Winterhalter and live bassist Neige leave the band by common decision so they can focus on Alcest.

Recordings and label

Discreet sign a five-album contract with Prophecy Productions in April 2009. Later that year, the group releases a split EP with Alcest. Its first full-length album, Septembre et ses dernières pensées, follows in 2010. The project then releases Ariettes oubliées... in 2012 and Prédateurs in 2017.

The debut album is described in Sonic Seducer as dark and romantic music that does not fit neatly into one genre. Across its releases, the group is associated with shoegaze, post-rock and blackgaze, while the earlier bio also links it with post-punk and folk.

Style and context

Discreet develops within the wider French underground scene around Teyssier, Winterhalter, Alcest and Amesoeurs. The project’s work combines atmospheric guitar-based forms with a strong visual and conceptual element, reflecting Teyssier’s parallel activity as an artist and illustrator.