Charbonneau / Amato
Synth Works Vol. 2
(Backward Music)
3.5/5
Montreal-based synth duo Charbonneau / Amato is back with their second LP, following 2018’s Synth Works Vol. 1. Synth Works Vol. 2 was recorded organically in 2020 as Mathieu Charbonneau and Pietro Amato sat on their studio floor with synths, organs, and pedals facing one another.
The duo’s musical style combines environmental sounds with classic elements of early krautrock like hypnotic rhythms and electronic synthesizers. The simplistic style and layering complements the album’s lush tone and offers the audience a contemplative and peaceful listening experience.
Songs like “All Rose” and “Interblip” seem to be lacking in direction. It seems like some of the tracks struggle to establish a tone or reach a climax and would benefit from having more time to develop.
Overall, however, Synth Works Vol. 2 succeeds as a curious exploration of minimalist synth music. It weaves together various textures and sounds and paces, and runs smoothly as a diverse yet cohesive album.