Mar 02 2010 3:10 pm,
Air
The Roundhouse, London
26/02/2010
George Pringle proves herself to be the support act any artist would want. Abysmally dismal, her onstage strutting drone leaves the audience hungry for real music, and the arrival of the ever stylish French duo Air soon satisfies it.
A moody presence, the talented pair show disdain for their new material. Rushing gracelessly through material from 'Love 2', the pair seem uncomfortable and fidgety. Whilst Jean-Benoît Dunckel makes the best of it, Nicolas Godin appears to wish he were anywhere but here. And though the musical output is entertaining enough and keeps the audience happy, the performance element is distinctly lacking.
Thankfully a smile finally breaks out across Godin’s face as they finally launch into the familiar territory of 'Cherry Blossom Girl'. As if a switch has been flicked, the pair relax immediately and launch into humorous banter with adoring fans. Fully in their stride as the pair reach 'Kelly Watch The Stars', the audience shriek as the backdrop reveals the accompanying table tennis graphics.
Having climaxed by the close of the set, the pair leave with a simple bow. The inevitable return a few minutes later prompts riotous applause, reciprocated by a humbled Godin and Dunckel. Knowing what everyone has been craving, 'Sexy Boy' leaves a moving, sentimental taste in everyone’s mouths as they make their way out. Though many complain as they leave about the lack of stage show, it is hard to deny the musical craft of the French pair. If only they had a little more faith in their newer material, the entire performance could have made for a fine feast rather than a stop start soiree.
Jeremy Williams
