Au Beau Fixe, the latest album from the duo Mathieu Lamontagne & Emmanuel Toledo, is a mesmerizing and atmospheric record that showcases the pair's impeccable musicianship and inventive approach to composition.
From the opening track, "L'Horizon," which features haunting guitar melodies and a brooding, cinematic atmosphere, to the closing notes of "L'Absence," which is built around a hypnotic piano riff and a lush string arrangement, the album is a masterclass in creating immersive, evocative soundscapes.
Throughout the record, Lamontagne and Toledo employ a wide range of instruments and textures, from delicate acoustic guitar and piano to sweeping orchestral arrangements and glitchy electronic beats. The result is a rich and varied sonic tapestry that rewards repeated listening and invites the listener to explore its depths.
Standout tracks include "L'Envie," which features a soaring vocal melody and a driving rhythm section, and "Le Départ," which showcases Lamontagne's virtuosic guitar playing and Toledo's skillful production.