New Releases: Air

Via Aircheology.comAir, the French duo of Nicholas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel, have been steadily producing downtempo electronica since the mid 1990's. Taking their inspiration from French musicians of the 60's and 70's and the early electronic sounds of the 1980's, Air have consistently pushed musical boundaries and reshaped the definition of electronica. Today sees the release of Love 2, their eagerly anticipated fifth studio album.

The album features all of the Air trademarks including Jean-Benoit's affected vocals and their extensive use of acoustic instruments. But yet again Air still has something new to offer as the album is interspersed with tracks that are less produced and have more of a live quality to them. This new sound is highlighted in tracks like the album opener Do The Joy with its electric guitar riffs, analog synths, and Vocoder vocals. The guitars continue in Be A Bee with its 60's inspired guitars coupled with electronic alarms and squelches. Eat The Beat provides another sampling of this new sound towards the end of the album.

For a more "classic" Air sound you have to look no further than the moody So Light Is Her Footfall. Featuring Jean-Benoit's hushed vocals it's a song about a lonely girl that truly harks back to the sound of Moon Safari. We also get some 80's electro minimalism on Missing The Light Of Day whilst Heaven's Light takes us back to the lounge sounds of Kelly Watch The Stars with soft female vocals, piano, layered strings, and a little accordion for good measure. By the time we reach the final track African Velvet we're happy that the old Air is back and yet excited at what they have in store for us next.

Love 2 is an absolute must for anyone that fell in love with Moon Safari and for newcomers alike. Love 2 is available now from Amazon, iTunes, and all your favorite music retailers.