Montréal based experimental music label Ambiances Magnétiques has published two new albums: Le sourire, a Steve Lacy tribute by Canadian artists Jean Derome & Somebody Special, and Platanus by the duo of noted Toronto-based composer-improviser Allison Cameron (crackle synthesizer, keyboards, tapes), and Montréal’s Scott Thomson (on trombone). It’s the latter album that I want to draw attention to. It’s so out-of-world.

Platanus is pure abstract music born out of Thomson’s timbral experiments, and Cameron’s unique and unusual instrumentation, which showcases the Crackle Synthesizer and other keyboards (audibly the Casio SK-1) and tapes. The audible results such that it is hard to get grip on at any level. This is utterly bizarre! Truly tough material! I wouldn’t even say in a positive way but confusing, disturbing and unexplained way. But also thoroughly compelling and captivating. A mystery.

“The near-hour’s worth of music pulls listeners into a uniquely disorienting topography, painting a confounding scenery — a place that feels perched precariously on the cusp between dreaming and wakefulness. Within this wobbly frame, their interplay variously floats, wafts, gurgles, and drifts, a curious assortment of textures and murky hues.”

Another quote: “What they produce collectively resists easy description and that’s precisely what makes it so resonant. Their elusive semi-hush feels as like something was piped in from another reality.” I agree. Give it a try. You decide.

The release is dedicated to the memory of Nobuo Kubota, the extraordinary Canadian improviser and intermedia artist who passed away in September of 2025 at the age of 93. The duo had played as a trio with Kubota, and the aforementioned Crackle Synthesizer in fact used to belong to the elder artist.

Both albums available for streaming or as CD version from

https://actuellecd.com/ or https://ambiances-magnetiques.bandcamp.com/