Air – Premiers Symptomes

Does the hit import single “Sexy Boy” ring a bell? If not, check out Air. Ambient, psychedelic space music is the best way to describe their Premiers Symptomes. This collection of B-sides from ’95 through ’97 is now released for the first time, and it’s one spaced out record. Premiers Symptomes contains no lyrics, so if you’re a person who needs vocals, this record may kill you. The music is peaceful and laid back; all you have to do is relax and enjoy.

The first single released for the band was “Modular Mix”, back in 1995. “Modular Mix” would be perfect in a cola commercial on television. The tripped-out Rhodes piano and horn section help to craft a visionary picture of carbonated bubbles rising to the top of a glass. “Casanova 70” seems effortless because there is no drum track. Founders of Air, Nicolas Godin and Jean Beniot Dunckel, improvise with a kaleidoscope of keyboard sounds, horns, and soft cymbals to make the song work. The Rhodes piano is to Air what the guitar is to rock. Look no further than “J’ai Dormi Sous L’eau”; in the age of electroncia, Air displays what can be done with modern technology. Air takes one little note and stretches the song out by plastering various sources of sound into the piece. With the music being slow paced, you at least have something else to listen for.

On some of the tracks you can actually hear bits and pieces of their last album, Moon Safari. If you have Moon Safari and buy this record, listen for the way some of the songs such as “Le Soleil est Pres de Moi” and “Califorine” start or stop with a piece from the last album. Premiers Symptomes closes out with the beat-happy “Brakes On.” Listen closely at the beginning of the cut; it sounds as if there is a Daft Punk hidden treasure in the background. The electronic funk beat buried in the heart of the song would make Beck jealous.

+larry sarzyniak