CD review: Air's 'Talkie Walkie' hypnotic, beautiful. Over.

By Simon Davenport
The Daily Cardinal

MADISON, Wis. (U-WIRE) - It has been two years since Air has graced our ears with a new release, and it is obvious they have not lost anything in the interim.

Their previous albums include "Moon Safari" and "The Virgin Suicides," and "Talkie Walkie" is another example of the immense talent possessed by Jean-Benoit Dunckel and Nicolas Godin who make up this electronic-dreamscape-band.

This album, like many others Air has produced, thrives on subtleties, both vocal and symphonic. The songs unfold as in a dream; they fade in and out of consciousness, just grabbing you before you slip in too deep.

The mostly relaxed sound is due to the band favoring major keys accompanied by repetitive acoustic guitar backed with piano, flute, xylophone or a dazzling array of synthesizer.
And where rhythm is concerned, Air leaves it simple and unobtrusive unlike many of their peers.

This is not to say that the album is devoid of engaging patterns. It rather downplays them by putting emphasis on vocals and accompaniment, suggesting that Air is trying to break away from the rule that says electronic music must have a pulsing, hypnotic beat. It seems as if they are giving more respect to their audience by not beating it over the head with bass.

Sometimes this approach can seem a little forced as they rely more and more on chord changes alone they seem to be overindulging. It is the same kind of affectation some actors feel when they enjoy the sound of their own voice too much -- you are left bored and unamused.

Much is the same with tracks like "Another Day." Its chord progression provides a very interesting tension, but the seemingly lazy rhythm ruins the mood, and what comes through are hackneyed vocals that don't seem to be moving the song along.

Some of the samples can also be a bit too stretched out and unnecessary, as in the song "Alpha Beta Gaga," which seems to showcase a rather annoying metallic run of notes.

On the other hand, tracks like "Run," "Surfing on a Rocket" and "Universal Traveler" are as beautifully crafted as they are engaging, which brings up possibly the best attribute this album has to offer: Flawless and brilliant production.

It feels as if this release was born mostly in post production, lending to the prowess of Air's Dunckel and Godin, not to mention outside help from Nigel Godrich.

Every orchestration is perfectly placed -- the fading and panning is immaculate, to say the least.

"Talkie Walkie" may not be for everyone, but for those who can appreciate production and subtlety relaxing tunes it delivers a great musical experience.