Air — Pocket Symphony

Was that it? That's the first thing you might think after hearing Air's Pocket Symphony. It's not a bad album and there are some fantastic Air moments that won't disappoint fans, but PS isn't as adventurous as past releases. It's a small step forward and a bigger one back. Saving PS from complete disaster are Nicolas Godin's newfound obsession with Japanese string instruments, evident on the upbeat "Mer Du Japon," Neil Hannon's orchestrated ode to consciousness, "Somewhere Between Waking And Sleeping," the groovy '60s bass line-laden "Napalm Love" and folk gem "Left Bank." But inundating these glimmers of hope are tired Moon Safari-like synths and melodies, frustratingly bland piano-and-keyboard-effect tracks, and Jarvis Cocker morosely singing about his hangover after a wild night of partying ("Hell Of A Party"). The sad thing is that Pocket Symphony fails to pique enough interest to warrant repeat listens, a trademark of Air's previous three full-lengths.

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