Issue date: 3/9/07 Section: Listen to this

Media Credit: Julian Lim

Let's face it, Europeans know their electronic music.
Pioneers of Electronica, Germany's Krafwerk executed the austerity and cerebral Kraut-rock in the 70s. New Order made a catalytic leap from the post-punk legacy of Joy Division to creating England's top sold albums, "Power, Corruption, and Lies" in the '80s. France's Daft Punk launched a sound of incomparable house in the ' 1990s, playing to thousands of audiences worldwide.
Regardless of electronica's various sub-genres, Parisian duo, Air (Nicolas Godin and JB Dunkel) have made a distinguishing cosmic-effect in the electronica world to this day, since their debut album, "Moon Safari" in released1998. Their mathematical 2004 album, "Talkie Walkie" outstandingly sold over 800,000+ copies worldwide.
Although there is no sign of energetic or boisterous intensity, Air's ambient-spacey style is full of delicate life. Not only will they come out with their fourth expected album, "Pocket Symphony" they're set out for a European tour and if you're lucky enough, a sold out Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA on April 29th, 2007.
Godin and Dunkel have collaborated greatly, composing a score for director Sofia Coppola's "The Virgin Suicides" (1999). The song, "Alone in Kyoto" is featured in "Lost In Translation" (2003) and "Il Secondo Giorno (Instrumental)" in "Marie Antoinette" (2006).
They are also key contributers for actress/singer, Charlotte Gainsbourg's (The Science of Sleep) new album due next month.
"Pocket Symphony" opens with "Space Maker," a doleful instrumental that flows nicely into their new single, "Once Upon A Time," piano flowing sweetly as lyrics, "time's getting on/ time's over now" gives warning to love. A key track to 'Pocket Symphony" is "Left Bank," melancholy over the significant other, as your surrounding is the only thing around that presents closure.
Godin and Dunkel have also sought two new levels of experimentation, the koto and shamisen, Japanese instruments. Jarvis Cocker of Pulp and Neil Hannon of the Divine Comedy lend their vocals in a few tracks, instead of sampling female voices like in "Moon Safari." Producer Nigel Godrich who has produced albums for Radiohead, Beck, and Bjork has stepped to the plate for the new album.
Pocket Symphony gives fans a soft, atmospheric, and fair listen. Where Moon Safari delivered several pop breakthroughs to created universal acclaim and formed sleek latter albums; The Virgin Suicides, 10,000 Hz, and Talkie Walkie. Pocket Symphony is a sweet move in experimentation.

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