10,000hz Legend - Air > Reviews > 10000 Hz and Rising

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Groundbreaking
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
How does it rate alongside the competition	Good
Value for Money

Advantages:	An under - rated gem, brimming with lush sounds
Disadvantages:	Accusations of pretentiousness are not wholly unfounded

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Having gathered astonishing critical acclaim for their popular moog-centric debut 'Moon Safari', not to mention the 'Premieres Symptones' collection, much was expected from the French duo's second album proper. Almost inevitably, the album disappointed many critics hungry for more of 'Moon Safari''s ambient craft and it was quickly dismissed as over-blown and pretentious by many. However, although there are moments of cringeing Pink Floyd mimicry, there are also suspended flashes of inspired electronic brilliance that make this album a future forgotten classic.
Opener 'Electronic Performers' sets the pace with its orgasmic washes of sound and simple melodic phrases before descending into minimalist beats and computer voices, ending with sweet piano chords that bear the closest relation to 'Moon Safari'. 'How Does It Make You Feel' is equally contrasting, a vocodered lament to a frustrated lover that possesses the most unexpectedly gorgeous chorus and vocal harmonies - worthy of the Beatles' best - before a hilarious closing pay-off. Single 'Radio No 1' is less impressive, its bass-driven pastiche of bubblegum pop unfortunately too close to its intended target to be of much interest, but the (surely) sarcastic vocal acrobatics at the end are amusing enough.
This blip is saved though by standout tracks 'Lucky and Unhappy' and 'The Vagabond', the first a Kraftwekian stab of dark-yet-warm electro-pop, the second a powerfully ramshackle collaboration with Beck, who provides soulful harmonica as well as his trademark louche vocals.
These tracks contain a degree of experimentation and subversion unavailable anywhere else in Air's catalogue, and though the album does peter out a little towards the end, the epic 'Don't Be Light' keeps it from fading out by adding grand, catchy passion-pop to the repertoire. Any fan of Air's music should seek this out to hear a side to the band that thanks to rash criticism, may often be overlooked. Top quality.