Buzzsaw Haircut

From France with Love

By Patrick Grossi

With the recent influx of electronic based music somewhat fading, room has been made for more eclectic musicians who seek to accomplish more romantic forms of such music. With the 1998 release of Moon Safari (Astralwerks), French duo Jean Benoit Dunckel and Nicolas Godin introduced their winding melodic pop. Air serves as only one of many French groups to establish themselves via the electronic revolution; groups such as Daft Punk and Dimitri from Paris both perform on similar levels. However, by converging the Parisian lounge styles of Serge Gainsbourg with the keyboard driven conventions pioneered by Germany's Kraftwerk, Dunckel and Godin embark on a musical journey unlike any other. Premiers Symptomes (released late 1999, also Astralwerks) reveals the foundations that made Moon Safari possible.

A collection of seven singles recorded between 1995 and 1997, Premiers Symptomes fails to mesh within itself. However each song possesses a powerful instrumental voice, gorgeously functioning on its own lyrical themes. "Modular Mix" almost serves as an intro cut to the collection offering a disembodied quietness of handclaps and vibrato. Air traps the listener, sets their mind afloat, allow their thoughts to breathe by supplying the ideal musical base. Godin and Dunckel then segue into "Casanova 70", an imaginary soundtrack for the Italian film of the same name. Though seemingly a mellow mesh of instrumental undercurrent to action, this track works to prove that the duo's music still manages to perform on its own, a recurring theme in Moon Safari. Premiers practically serves as a primer to Safari. "Les Professionnels" is a prototype for the song "All I Need" (from Safari) sans the lush vocals of Beth Hirsch (who performs on two of Safari's cuts). However, it would be unfair to judge Premiers strictly on a comparison to its full-length album predecessor.

Premiers in no way functions as an album, but Godin and Dunckel seemingly placed tracks to function in pairs (once "Modular Mix" situates the listener into a contemplative and relaxed nature). "J'Ai Dormi Sous L'Eau" and "Le Soleil est Pres De Moi" (tracks 4 and 5 respectively) flow in and out of each other. Perhaps the most quiet of the seven, a prominent theme rather than aimless instrumental meshing drive both songs. Synthesized chorus, creating a mood of synthetic pleasure complements both. From guided meditation, Premiers suddenly drifts into a loud and seductively abrasive planet, revealing the two gems of the collection. "Californie" and "Brakes On", the final two tracks of the album, prove Air's versatility and capacity for loudness. Both tracks open with a funk-induced collage of strolling bass and violently twangy guitar then slowly glide into a quiet contemplation of the preceding madness moved by strings and smooth organ. Of course unable to resist the temptation, "Brakes On" recedes into the madness, offering a beautiful meshing of loud beats and sumptuous female chorus.

If you do not own anything by Dunckel and Godin, buy Moon Safari. However, do not assume Premiers does not deserve your cash. Air always leaves you wanting more; Premiers is no exception, and for those who already own Safari the seven song collection is a refreshing supplement. Also, those thirsting for more should look for the soundtrack to The Virgin Suicides, the directorial debut of Sofia Coppola (daughter of Francis Ford), both slated for an early 2000 release. Coppola, apparently a big fan, invited the duo to compose the film's score, much like Paul Thomas Anderson's commissioning of Aimee Mann for Magnolia. Air's exploration in synthesized psychedelics stands out as some of the most inventive and luscious music to be introduced within the last 10 years, not to mention providing the perfect soundtrack for any bedroom. If anything, Premiers provides hope for the future of music (even though it is a collection of songs that were produced before the release of its authors' previous album) embarking on musical themes that were once feared lost and pushing said themes to a heightened state of meditation and seduction.

Patrick Grossi is a freshman film major at Ithaca College.