I still remember being 15 years old, rummaging through JB HI-FI’s bins of CDs and taking a chance on a French band I’d never heard of before with an interesting looking album called Moon Safari.
That album ended up being on high-rotation for me over the next few years, and has never really left my speakers since.
It seems like I wasn’t alone in my adoration of the gorgeous, starry-eyed sonic wonder either because last night Sidney Myer Music Bowl was transformed into a celestial stage as French duo AIR performed their iconic album (and a few other favourite songs), in its entirety to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Moon Safari.
Comprised of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel, AIR emerged in the mid-90s. Their debut album, Moon Safari, was a critical and commercial success, spawning hits like “Sexy Boy” and “Kelly Watch the Stars.”
The album’s influence can be heard in the work of artists such as Daft Punk and Australia’s own Tame Impala. Even filmmaker Sofia Coppola collaborated with the duo on the soundtrack to The Virgin Suicides.
Before AIR took the stage, the talented Australian musician Alice Ivy warmed up the crowd with her unique blend of electronic, jazz, and soul, setting the perfect tone for the night. My plus one and I wouldn’t have be surprised to learn that she was also influenced by tonights headline act.
Once AIR arrived it was a non-stop nostalgic journey through the ’90s, as the duo performed each track from the album with precision and passion with barely a pause between tracks.
The sold-out audience, a mix of longtime fans and newcomers, was mesmerised by the lush soundscapes and ethereal vocals melding lush electronics, swooning songcraft and irresistible European retro-futurism.
From the very first note of “La Femme d’argent” we knew that this was going to be a great night.
While the music was the main attraction, the stage production was equally impressive. A mesmerising light show and stunning visuals complemented the performance. The band, dressed head to toe in white, was backlit by glitzy stars, sunsets or 70s psychadelic patterns.
It was a night of pure musical bliss, a reminder of why AIR remains one of the most influential electronic music duos of all time.
Twenty-five years on, Moon Safari has lost none of its magic; it’s a mood that invites you to lose yourself in the music and will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
– The Plus Ones
