Music Review: Air

While staying true to its classical roots, Air has incorporated a distinct oriental sound in its latest album, Pocket Symphony. The band's fifth full-length effort, the record marks the French duo's willingness to experiment and add to their already diverse sound.

Although guest vocals from Jarvis Cocker and the Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon give this album some consistency with past records, the introduction of traditional Japanese instruments such as the ancient koto, a stringed zither-like instrument, separates their new vibe from their breakthrough 1998 album, Moon Safari. Indeed, only the opening track, "Space Maker," with its electric bass break and retro instrumentals, is truly reminiscent of their trademark sound.

With a smooth fusion of classical piano melodies redolent of Debussy and Bach, some electric guitar riffs and the new oriental touch, the album as a whole is a charming celebration of the duo's reputation for eclecticism.

However, "Mer du Japon" is the only track that has any real beat to move to. The rest of the songs are solemn, fitting for a relaxing Sunday afternoon-and Pocket Symphony seems content with being a introspective, exploratory step in the group's development.