Air France - On Trade Winds (2007)
Beck - A Western Harvest Field by Moonlight (1994)
Air France - No Way Down (2008)
I don't really like getting to know bands via EPs, but Air France have been making some noise (pleasant, ambient noise) with their two recent ones. On Trade Winds is the band's proper introduction, with the track "Beach Party" in particular getting a lot of attention last year. On Trade Winds is a calm, lush, and hypnotic debut. As has become clear this year, Swedes really know their indie, and Air France may actually recall France's Air, though they're not as memorable in terms of melodic content. A relaxing grower.
A Western Harvest Field by Moonlight is another formerly rare, pre-major label Beck release turned accessible through the magic of the internet. Like Golden Feelings, it's another more experimental record, though he wisely pars it down to half of that album's length. Unfortunately, the EP catches Beck in an awkward phase, ready to focus more than he has on past releases but still more interested in creating ideas and sketches than fully fleshed-out songs. As a result, the mad thrill of Golden Feelings is gone, but it's not yet replaced by much that is as interesting as what would soon follow. Though full-length opener "Totally Confused" is worth tracking down, the rest of this EP is more interesting as a document of the artist's growth rather than as a fully formed release.
Though On Trade Wends was certainly nice, No Way Down is a marked improvement for Air France, a more engaging and distinctive release from the band. The music is still all very lovely and soothing, but the band is obviously more comfortable in the studio this time around. The resulting tracks feel more spirited and vital, and they now come off less like Air's calm cousin and more like the Go! Team's seductive exchange student. It's a good thing. Another grower, but more accessible this time around.On Trade Winds: 7/10
A Western Harvest Field by Moonlight: 5/10
No Way Down: 8/10
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