Air
Premières Symptomes

“Moon Safari” by Air is universally recognized as one of the cornerstones of 90s electronica. The secret of that album lay in the combination of analog electronics (reminiscent of certain 70s psychedelics), free jazz, and the most enticing types of easy listening, starting with lounge. All filtered through the prism of a surprising modernity, capable of slowing down rhythms and expanding atmospheres, creating magical universes in episodes like “La femme d’argent” or ”You make it easy” that have set a benchmark. In this regard, consider Chill-out, certain moments of the New Acoustic Movement, and a whole series of followers, starting with Zero 7.

The lunar safari was, however, the culmination of an excellent creative journey, summarized in the EP “Premières symptomes”. Here are the first singles of the Parisian duo, as well as a handful of other episodes. Listening to these seminal suites is always a pleasure. The sound isn't dissimilar – it's just less polished – from what made “Moon Safari” successful: intertwining punchy bass lines, vintage keyboards, and velvety jazz rhythms, as in the splendid “Le soleil est près de moi”, boasting a captivating chorus filtered with the Vocoder. Unmissable is also “J’ai dormi sous l’eau”, enveloped in fabulous sixties clouds. Almost the quintessence of Air, in creating an unreal and enchanted reverie. “Modular mix” is another pinnacle of the early period: Ennio Morricone spun in a centrifuge and covered with drum'n'bass sprinkles. If Truffaut were to film “Adele H. A Love Story” today, he'd do anything to include it. Excellent as well are the chill-out languors of “Casanova70” or “Les professionnels”, the embryo of the future “All I need”, with those unmistakable guitar arpeggios. The other two episodes – mere post-Moon Safari fillers – don't sound as persuasive, particularly the somewhat mannered Daft Punk-style funk of "Brakes on".

"Premières symptomes” is ultimately the best way to admire the early steps, already confident, of a great band. Perhaps Air themselves should listen to it again, given that they have not managed to reach these high compositional levels again.