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Histoires De Parfums Petroleum

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Petroleum is pretty bizarre indeed being entirely built and conceived on juxtapositions. Resinous and intense but at the same time fresh and "ozonic", deep and obscure but surrounded by aldehydic notes, dark and animalic yet "clear" and somehow light. All the elements are handled in an almost "unseen" way. The oud/rose combo is nowhere similimar or somehow close to all of the previous interpretations of the accord, they're amphasized in their woody freshness avoiding the burnt-sugar and medicinal effect. Rose is detectable but masterfully blended with the rest. Deepness is provided by a consistent dose of resinous notes while civet juxtaposed to aldehydes and ozonic hints gives birth to a destabilizing and pleasantly dissonant accord during the musky/ambery drydown. The base. This is the real point of strenght of Petroleum.

Wearable? I don't know yet I will have to test it a few more times before coming with my (very personal) final virdict but, so far, Petroleum is a true candidate to become one of the most interesting and intriguing compositions of this fall. Original without being too odd.

Edit: December 2011

Petroleum is not just wearable, is extremely wearable and a true standout. The fragrance has a nice projection but it never become overwhelming or claustrophobic. It has a remarkable presence but, fortunately, is not overpowering as I expected. Bold but well balanced.

Lately I've noticed a mineral quality that adds even more complexity. Surely a winner for me and among the best releases of the year but I believe this is going to be a polarizing fragrance because of its ozonic undertones which, together with aldehydes, create a bizarre juxtaposition with the rest. Paradoxically there's no challenging power coming from the supposed petrol note (which is definitely more mineral/natural smelling than the gasoline-like accord of, let's say, Fahrenheit, Nostalgia or even Knize Ten). The ozonic aspect, instead, adds a slightly weird and destabilizing nuance that may result off-putting to someone. IMO it perfectly blends with the rest adding a compelling, sort of off-centre, aspect.

Unique.
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Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 22, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    This sounds like the kind of fragrance I pay to sample!

    ReplyDelete
  2. SaifNovember 22, 2011 at 9:40 PM

    I wonder how it compares to say Nostalgia (the opening)or Fahrenheit.

    ReplyDelete
  3. alfaromNovember 23, 2011 at 2:21 AM

    I didn't get any similarities with the fragrances you mentioned Saif. Petroleum has this ozonic/aldehyde/mineral combo that adds a challenging (yet fresh) vibe. This, juxtaposed to the animalic notes and the oud, gives the idea of an industrial area close to the sea...Nostalgia and Fahrenheit are more about gasoline.

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