The Dark Side 
Francesca Bianchi (2016)

Dark Side is an honeyed amber and floral incense that is made of many of the same notes which create the extraordinary group of Amber "desert" incense classics such as: Andy Tauer L'Air du Desert Morocain, MFK Grand Soir, Atelier des Ors Larmes du Desert. These dark but radiant notes of amber, styrax benzoin, patchouli, sandalwood and Incense form the dark incense base onto which Francesca Bianchi adds a lyrical and lively floral dance of iris and violet mixed with animalic honeycomb note combination that takes these patchouli intense amber incense base notes to a lively oriental place. The results are serious fragrance that is unisex and outstanding. A dark but lively woods, honey amber incense scent of great mystery and authority. Rated 4 of 5 stars. Beautiful!

Oh yeah, this is the way to do a spicy oriental – voluptuously spilling out of its (at least for the first few hours) bodice, joyous despite its name.
Bianchi's creation makes a virtue of boldness. Its spices are up front and in your face – and bolstered by a full orchestra of woods and resins (just look at the notes list). Usually I approach such things with caution as I find their persistent personalities a bit challenging. But Bianchi's moody Dark Side is leavened by light, too. There are two notes in the mix that lift everything else and make it sing. First is a honey of great clarity: it's a supple golden note, not laden with hormones and wax, and it ripples through the creation like an enlivening spirit. The second is a soft-as-a-kiss, nectar-like violet note, which instils an innocent, loving quality at the heart of this perfume – it is so silken and pure, it reminds me almost of a fantasy soft-focus rendering of rose otto.
In setting these delicate, maternal seeming notes among the expected heavy hitters Bianchi has created something a bit special. I love how the spices, though full on, don't tilt the whole thing over – perhaps it's because they are presented in such a blended manner, not as soloists. I can only detect cinnamon in the mix, but even that is after paying close attention. The woody notes – sandalwood and cedar – are dry and of a decent quality, and the spices blend right into their grain.
Eventually in the deep drydown, the sensuality takes a backseat and The Dark Side becomes a comfort scent with the sweeter elements taking on a powdery quality. Even dark forces are susceptible to tenderness.