AIR LIVE AT SOUTHAMPTON’S SUMMER SESSIONS

★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

AIR PERFORMING AT SOUTHAMPTON’S SUMMER SESSIONS
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYIDA BAGIOKI

For a band that has been named a ‘wild, jawdropping widescreen extravaganza’ by the Guardian, the expectations were really high as the band ascended on the high stage, specifically modified to host this unique band in Southampton’s Guildhall Square. Going one week strong, the gigs have not diminished in business and thirsty crowds. Even though the venue filled slower than usual, people starting crowding in the early evening to enjoy AIR’s performance. Having been warmed up by an elaborate and atmospheric DJ set, the audience was excited for AIR’s audiovisual spectacle that was about to take place.

AIR are a band for refined earbuds, as their chilled out yet carefully arranged and performed music brings an evocative experience into the mix. The band is placed in an interesting rectangle of lights and reflections, which seem to match the beat and the synth that filled the chilly air of the night. Their instrumentals are like a journey, and as their music has been written for soundtracks such as movies of Sofia Coppola, it only makes sense that their performance is like a journey through time and space. It is difficult to put their music into words – it is a mix of electro, psychedelic sounds, merged together with retro-futuristic beats and nostalgic chords as well as mellow vocals. And while most would expect a gig to be loud and shouty, AIR’s music is healing and calming, the kind of sound that would be an amazing backdrop to a late night drink in a Parisian bar, as well as the soundtrack of a space fantasy film.

The sleek and sophisticated performance of the band – dressed in all white and looking like they are floating in the rectangle box of mirrors – enhances the audio experience with a visual backdrop to accompany their refined sound. The performance is soothing and very-well received by the audience that is mellowly swinging along the synths. It is a very unique show that can only be appreciated in person, and it is definitely a sound that is an acquired taste.