I was content with Air's last offering, 10,000Hz, but I didn't become a big fan. Well, this one's for those people who, like me, were hoping for something more consistent and less influenced by prog-rock: Their new album, Talkie Walkie (being released, officially, at the end of January) is stunning. Each song exists in it's own little world. The compositions are sophisticated, yet the arrangements are simple, even minimal. At times it can be reminiscent of 80's synth-pop.

This is the kind of electronica I like. Jean-Benoit Dunckel and Nicolas Godin make music that’s odd, interesting and just about every song features some organic elements. Mike Mills, for example, pushes acoustic instruments to the front of the soundstage where string, harp and guitar gel with inconspicuous electronics.

Two excellent songs, Venus and Cherry Blossom Girl, open the album. Both offer little synth riffs which could have been thought-up by you or me, and Cherry Blossom in particular is pretty and epic at the same time. Later, there’s Alpha Beta Gaga, an instant classic featuring a whistled riff that's so catchy it’s almost sinister, followed by a banjo.

I’m not about to declare Talkie Walkie a flawless album with ten pristine hits. No way. But most of the songs are exceptional and the sonic concept is very attractive. Just about every synth sounds old and primitive, and sometimes even ugly. Which is beautiful, if you get my drift. Guess I’m just a sucker for simple electronica, like Fizzarum. In my book, this album sets the new standard.

When I read the last track listing, “Alone in Kyoto,” I thought, “This has to be a song from the soundtrack of ‘Lost in Translation.’” It is, in fact. Ah, it’s so much like the film. Best instrumental track on the album, hands down, ending in calm crashing waves. posted by lawrence at 12:35 PM