In his new record “Travel Memory,” Montréal-based composer Yves Pilon lets us enter a world that is close to the heart and also gigantic. With this music being made mostly on his home studio laptop, he reveals that both feeling and rich sounds can be created with less, but with genuine effort.
Right at the start, a dreamy synth pad appears, leading us right into the otherworldly quality like Boards of Canada’s music brings. After that, Pilon adds strong bass and spacious notes that create a peaceful and moving vibe. The gentle use of tongue drum rhythms gives the song a solid feeling, like the rhythm of footsteps on a regular day.
The music in “Travel Memory” gradually transforms in a way that matches a movie. Light and playful notes from the marimba complement the strong bass, creating a feeling of depth in the song. Nothing is rushed in this arrangement; it gently lets go of its layers and calls on listeners to enjoy the music right then.
While the song is mainly instrumental, it carries a lot of meaning through the melody. The sound of low-key airport terminals, the muffled clicking of trains and wind on a coastline seems to reach your ears. The music is quiet but it gathers attention over time and in a meaningful way. Due to Pilon’s interesting soundscapes, listeners are invited to think about their past and feel different emotions.
The way it is made with attention and control makes “Travel Memory” truly worthy of the name ‘experience’. With no form of singing, Yves Pilon demonstrates that ambient music can still be powerful, rich and able to express feelings. Even after it finishes, this track stays in your mind, showing the beauty of moments that last only a moment.
