REVIEW OF NEW WORKS, End of April, 2026, by reviewer: Drevel Savren:

Lupus & Vega’s "Odysseus" and "Hades"
by: Drevel Savren

I've become a big fan of Joe's work at Lupus and Vega, so when I heard about a new sprayable release exclusive to Stele, I had to check it out.

Tested "Odysseus" first, two sprays. This is fantastic. The opening has a subtle barn note that quickly fades into a cherry, blueberry, raspberry type of sweetness, very purple, layered over a dark, damp, glowing woodiness. That "glow" is the standout, giving the composition a regal quality that lifts gently off the skin with hints of resin and sott smoke. It's well blended and cohesive without feeling flat.

In the drydown, a nutty sandalwood comes through, at least on my skin. Up close, the damp woods stay present, but the sillage carries that same purple character from the opening, with a soft spice likely coming from the woods. There are florals in the heart adding structure, though they're hard to pinpoint.

"Hades" was a surprise. Woods, soft ambers and more woods. Subtly salty, dry and slightly smoky in an oud-like way, though oud doesn't feel central. I get sandalwood, cedar and guaiac, all wrapping around the nose in a warm, almost nostalgic way. It's about 85 in NYC right now, and despite being described as dense, it wears more airy on my skin. Still present, just more restrained than "Odysseus."

That restraint is balanced by strong persistence. It doesn't fade. Like "Odysseus," it feels alive. Peppery undertones, likely from the cedar, give it lift, which ends up being my favorite part.

Not sure if "Odysseus" is live yet, but it likely will be by end of day. "Hades" drops next week. If you're familiar with Joe's work, this feels like a safe blind buy if the profile speaks to you.