Mathame’s Debut Album Will Take You on a Journey

Italian-brother duo Amedeo and Matteo Giovanelli, or Mathame, have released their long-awaited debut album MEMO. The tracklist takes listeners on an interstellar journey exploring a variety of emotions throughout its thirteen tracks.

Largely attributed to their extensive backgrounds in classical music, as well as film, Mathame’s melodies draw inspiration from classical scores, movies and of course their experiences. The result is a collection of cinematic soundscapes that successfully immerse listeners in the moment.

MEMO is a device that allows us to recall our experiences from the past three years, comparable to a black box for flights. All the tracks have different stories, some of the tracks took one day to create, others took months. When there was something that we felt was meaningful and emotional to say, we collected these ideas. The full album as a result is a cinema-esque journey through our memories of making the record.

– Mathame

The album opens with “Unreality.” The song has a rather ominous, drawn-out introduction. Soon, synthetic notes interweave with an almost spiritual melody. Midway through the song, everything recedes, then returns with a strong disco-type beat.

“Feel Your Ghost” features Tiësto, a well-loved DJ and producer in the electronic scene. The track combines his signature sound, driving the rhythm with high and sleek vocals. The collaboration keeps the mood upbeat and alive, giving just the right amount of variation to keep listeners dancing.

“Come For You” begins to showcase Mathame’s more classical background. A plucking melody climbs up and down notes, creating a beautiful arpeggio. This takes turns with an echoed, muffled voice that comes on after, pulsing and vibrating in turn.

Next is “Dance To Death.” Again, the track masters a balance between two very contrasting sounds. Though unnamed, a woman’s voice dominates the song, legato and lulling, which is juxtaposed with a hard and syncopated beat.

“Who” keeps things a bit more simple and laid-back. Fans will enjoy a more familiar beat overlaid by Lyke’s vocals, singing questions aloud in an open manner.

Things take some time to get started for “The Doors.” Again, the track is interlaid with a voice, giving the song variation and excitement. As the song continues, it shifts to a more synthetic melody that gives things a darker, more dramatic feeling.

“Run Boy” has a synthetic introduction, repeating over and over as it builds tension. Then, soft singing enters, climbing higher and higher. The song becomes increasingly complex, layered with different sounds that still manage to harmonize. As the lyrics enter, the instrument simplifies like a humming in the background.

“Tomorrow” is another track that takes its time to get warmed up. But, if anything, this allows listeners to ease into things. An electronic-type sound takes charge of an intricate melody, playing with the rhythm as it slows and speeds up again.

“So What” has a completely different feel. Beginning with a distorted voice, it’s almost as if Mathame is sharing a broadcast. The staticky sound gives the track an edgier feel. There still is that sense of sway, giving people the freedom to move and dance as they want.

“Believe” shows off Mathame’s versatility with rhythm. Sometimes it compresses. Other times, it stretches out. The beat is in charge, controlling the pacing of the song.

Mathame’s collaboration with Crimer shines in the following track. “Feeding Love” features Crimer’s deep and soft voice, which fits well with the alternating melody that alone would sound synthetic and mechanic.

“To Hope” manages to combine many different soundscapes in a single track. A fast-paced rhythm moves into a slower lo-fi ambiance. Then, it returns up to speed again, but now with a high-pitched, synthetic melody. Things continue to escalate and keep listeners excited.

“Back Home” chooses to end things just as the album began. Mathame chose a very thoughtful outro, featuring Damien Jurado and his meditative voice. The rhythm is relaxed, not at all overpowering the vocals, but reinforcing with its unique quality of sound.

Mathame is performing all throughout the summer, giving fans many festivals to choose from. From the United Kingdom to the United States to Ibiza, the duo will be making their way around the world and providing exciting sets. Check out their official website for tickets and give their other songs a listen on Spotify!