In 1902 Georges Méliès,
pushed the boundaries of silent film, with groundbreaking special
effects taking the viewer, beyond terra firma, in the first science fiction
movie "Le Voyage dans le Lune". It is fitting that 110 years later,
musicians at the forefront of French music were given the task of
scoring this seminal piece of cinematic history, for its 2012 digital
re-release. The themes of space, and the moon have never been far away
from electronicist duo Air's music. But they were not only the obvious
choice for the job. They were the appropriate choice for the job.
Méliès, would surely approve of his work being entrusted to
fellow stargazers with big imaginations backed by wit, intellect, and an
inbuilt sensitivity to his original production.
Air have expanded their 16 minute score into a full blown album.
From the opening notes of "Astronomic Club" it is clear that Air, have
taken this task, extremely seriously. What follows is an intricate
collection of songs and instrumentals. It becomes apparent as the album
progresses that there has been a meticulous and purposeful juxtaposition
of modern and classical
instruments "Seven Seas" mixes old-world instruments with futuristic
electronic bleeps. While the lyrics chart a suitably ephemeral trip to
the moon. The live instrumentation, especially the drums and bass, give
this track an industrial feel.
"Parade" is a swaggering post-rock mix of guitar licks and throaty
keyboard riffs. While "Moon Fever" echoes the classic sound of Bowie and
Eno's Berlin collaborations. One of the albums standout tracks "Sonic
Armada" is jammed out around an intergalactic pixie melody. Once again
the bass playing is exceptional as is the keyboard wizardry.
The deathly lullaby "Who Am I Now" featuring vocals by Au Revoiur
Simone, is the least pleasing of the collection. "Cosmic Trip" sees Air
creating more familiar sonic architecture, with driving basslines and
hectic background bell melodies colluding, before a familiar voice
emerges from the vibrant haze. Final track "Lava" is reminiscent of
Pink Floyd in their magical heyday. Thus concluding a fitting musical
tribute and companion piece to "Le Voyage dans le Lune".
Soundtrack albums are often hit and miss containing too many 30 sec
tracks which are paramount to the movie, but ultimately destined to be
skipped over by the listener. Thankfully Air, have avoided this pitfall and the
album contains only two such tracks, which are beautiful. The quality of
this collection suggests that Air shall be in top form for their next
album proper.
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