CZ-5000 Sounds & Sequences Vol. II

Safe Trip once again unearths recordings from Japanese brothers Satoshi & Makoto’s archive of experiments with the Casio CZ-5000. From the first few notes of A1 Closer, the listener is immediately surrounded by a dense envelope of Satoshi & Makoto’s synth melodies that linger in an astonishing weightlessness. The vulnerability of the music is clear, and this contemplative, brooding environment is clearly an atmosphere that they favor. A4 Reconstruction is another track that utilizes minimalism to full effect. Though the instrumentation is made up of just one synthesizer and field recordings of sea birds, the track somehow feels more dynamic than meditative. The tones are warm and full with momentum flowing forward effortlessly. B4 Kaas is another favorite with its twinkling arpeggios and a gently moaning melody that sounds like the theme song of your favorite video game you’ve never played. Like its predecessor, CZ-5000 Sounds & Sequences Vol. II is an enjoyable full listen and perfect for pensive moods.

– Tana Yonas

Recommended – Full Listen