Pocket Symphony is the latest offering from French duo Air, who gave us the undisputed classic Moon Safari album back in 1998. In the nine years that have elapsed, Jean-Benoit Dunckel and Nicolas Godin have never really strayed much from the chilled electronica that brought them international stardom, although no one can question their consistency in trying to find innovative ways to shape their music. For this album in particular, the main inspiration comes from Japanese quarters, although the overall effect remains relatively subliminal in the final mix; an underlay to the classically-tinged slumber that feeds the album’s soothing ambience.

Equally important on the new album are the contributions from guest artists, namely singers Jarvis Cocker. The former Pulp man delivers One Hell Of A Party in the same frame of mind and tone that he applied on his recent debut solo album, while Divine Comedy’s Neil Hannon blends into the acoustic fragility of Somewhere Between Waking And Sleeping to give it a hazy, lazy and delicate pop sheen. Waronker and Allen’s roles on drums and percussions complement Air’s own bass and guitar work to make this a “real” band effort as opposed to the misguided perception that electronic music is confined strictly to digital machinery. The end result exists on a separate parallel to Moon Safari’s more immediate appeal, but its glacial melodies and soundscapes are equally imaginative and perhaps a tad more fascinating!

CD COURTESY OF Exotique