Air: Le Voyage Dans La Lune
Air
Le Voyage Dans La Lune
(Virgin)
French duo Air have been taking us beyond Earth’s atmosphere since their debut EP and full length, Premiers Symptomes and Moon Safari, respectively. Years (and many good tunes) later we’re off for another trip to the moon with Le Voyage Dans La Lune.  The title is inspired by the classic silent science fiction film of the same name (of which Air has also provided music for a newly restored version.)
Air has always had a space-like quality to all of their releases but usually in small doses. To me, Le Voyage Dans La Lune is right on par with Moon Safari as far as giving you that feeling of soaring through the stars far, far away from our planet. It also incorporates one of the things that made Moon Safari such a cool release—a very jazzy feel amid the outer space sound. It sets a tone and takes you on a calm and mystical trip. I can’t imagine anyone arguing while listening to an Air album. I can’t imagine even feeling stressed or upset while listening to an Air album. The music has a powerfully soothing effect, even at its highest level of intensity.
A song like “Sonic Armada†makes me think of Air’s Moon Safari sound while “Cosmic Trip†is where they’re currently at in regards to reaching for the outer limits. And I hate to make it seem like this album and Moon Safari are Air’s only albums worth listening to because that couldn’t be further from the truth. Every Air album is worth listening (Talkie Walkie is amazing!) I only compare this album with their full-length debut because it seems like they’ve come full circle and it makes for a very entertaining release. Air has been taking us on a journey for a decade and a half now and it’s been one hell of a groovy ride. The fun definitely doesn’t stop here.