Classic sounds from the French duo.
It's almost ten years since Air caught the ears and minds of UK listeners with the bass-line of 'Sexy Boy' and then the dream-like nature of the 'Moon Safari' album. The popularity of the duo may not have remained as high as it did back then, this years 'Pocket Symphony' album slipping out with little fuss or fanfare.
'Mer Du Japon' is actually the third single to be released from the record and for all its quality, it's doubtful whether it will spark any great interest in the act again. One thing it does have in its favour in that respect is that there is a familiarity to the band's breakthrough album. The synth opening and striking keyboard fill harks back to a lot of the moments on 'Moon Safari' and the pacing guitar line and space-effects will certainly have a few brain cells flicking backwards. Throw in some muted foreign vocals and this track could easily fit in to that bygone era.
And it's no bad thing, it's certainly the case that Air lost fans by being adventurous and changing their sound on different records so hopefully there will be people who want to hear this. That said if people want to hear that sound they can just dust down the record that made Air so successful.
The added remix available adds a lot more life, the jutting intro spiralling up with the drum kicks and a funkier bass-line, totally transforming the track, almost echoing the feel of Ladytron in their 'Seventeen' pomp.
There's a lot to like on this single release but if you like it, then you've probably already got a better version of it at home, it just depends if you want a newer version.