Richard Chartier’s monochromatic aesthetic has come to define an audio culture surrounding minimalism. His craftsmanship, working predominately with sounds that exist at the edges of perception is a powerful, albeit subtle statement about notions of space and sound density.
 
With ‘A Field For Mixing’, Chartier brings the physicality of space directly into his compositional practise. Recording a variety of small and large spaces in countries from Australia through Japan and the USA, Chartier utilises the unique properties of these spaces to create a newly defined acoustic space – one that resonates with his characteristic treatments.
 
Dedicated to Steve Roden, the near 50 minute piece is an wholly engaging journey. It contracts and expands with a curious sense of depth that at times is utterly absorbing – drawing the listener deeper and deeper into the acoustic layers as one aspect is added and another withdrawn.
 
The second piece A Desk For Mixing (dedicated to William Basinski) is equally measured. Based on his site-specific installation work “Mixing Desk’ presented at the Montalvo Art Centre in 2006, this stereo rendering expands the themes on the installation into a gentle swelling ocean of post-ambiences and high frequency statics. Elegant and immersive.