L'AVANT_MUTEK

A little more than a month separates us from thestart of EM15, the name given to two of our well-known and much-loved festivals: MUTEK andElektra. This year they celebrate their fifteenth anniversary, promising a beautiful artistic mix.

Excitement peaked a few months ago when their merger was announced for a month of May full of promise. Separately, the two festivals share a common mission based on genuine sharing and access to digital, visual and sound arts. In a city like Montréal, constantly changing, vibrant and avant-garde,this two-in-one principle has every reason to please and create impatience. It was in this wave of

enthusiasm

that I attended AVANT_MUTEK Montréal last Friday, an evening on the margins of the festivals but also carrying a breeze that announced pleasure to come. A true celebration, Swedish artists Sebastian Mullaert and Marcus Henriksson, the duo Minilogue, raised the spirits ofthe crowd gathered at Espace Réunion. Their sound was perfectly balanced, unadorned, efficient and captivating. Armed with experience and boldness, their second-to-last performance before parting ways for new horizons was a very convincing sonic adventure.

From the moment I arrived, I was won over by their sound, which seemed very technical at first. It did not take long for a special atmosphere to settle in, for hearts to warm and bodies to surrender. A friend told me it was a journey, and it reallywas: something built and carefully thought out, yet unusual and innovative, a rise in emotion skilfully orchestrated. I am always impressed by the ability of electronic-music lovers to make us feel things beyond the intelligible.

A genuine dialogue developed between the creators and an attentive, sensitive audience. Electronic music is often criticized for being cold and mechanical, yet this work on sound becomes a search for the visceral that leaves no one indifferent. Between brutality and depth, there is a balance that is deeply satisfying. It was a successful evening and, for me, a wonderful electronic discovery: a real appetizer and proof of the quality of a remarkable festival. Photo credits:

Elise Apap.