The duo brought an epic show to the Moody Amphitheater!
French electronic duo Air brought their iconic Moon Safari album to life at the Moody Amphitheater in Austin, Texas last night, and it was an evening that felt like a journey through time and space. Fans packed the venue, eager to hear the mesmerizing tracks of this 1998 classic performed live. The atmosphere was brimming with excitement, yet there was a unique calmness as well—a collective anticipation to immerse ourselves in the dreamy, ambient soundscape that Moon Safari is known for.
From the very first note, Air’s sound swept through the room like a warm, cosmic breeze, captivating the audience. This wasn’t just any concert; it was a full-circle celebration of an album that has influenced electronic music for over two decades. Air’s mastery over their craft and their dedication to every nuance of this beloved record made it an unforgettable experience for both long-time fans and new listeners alike.
AIR
The show kicked off at 8:45 PM with “La Femme d’Argent,” and the crowd was instantly transported into Air’s smooth, laid-back universe. The basslines pulsed through the venue, and the synthesized melodies layered over them created a vibe that was both hypnotic and uplifting.
Jean-Benoît Dunckel and Nicolas Godin were perfectly in sync, effortlessly recreating the magic of Moon Safari. Their performance was laced with rich textures, from the dreamy synths of the iconic hit song “Sexy Boy” to the delicate piano of “Talisman,” each track resonating as fresh as it did back in ’98.
“All I Need” was a standout moment, with live vocals that added a hauntingly beautiful dimension to the song, and the crowd responded with rapt silence, as if collectively holding their breath. As they moved through tracks like “Kelly Watch the Stars” and “You Make it Easy,” it was clear that Air had meticulously crafted the entire set to flow seamlessly. The stage lighting complemented the music beautifully, bathing the duo in soft, otherworldly hues that matched the nostalgic, atmospheric tones of each song. Every track was executed with precision and passion, showcasing Air’s immense talent and dedication to giving their fans a genuine Moon Safari experience.
Air’s show was divided into two parts and one encore, with the first set featuring the Moon Safari album performed in full, just as the band promised, and the second part and encore with songs from different albums.
Pioneers and innovators of their genre!
Air has significantly shaped the landscape of electronic and downtempo music since their emergence in the late ‘90s. Their music has influenced genres from chillwave to indie pop, establishing a template for others to explore electronic sound with sophistication and emotional depth. Following Moon Safari, Air continued to push creative boundaries. Albums like Talkie Walkie and 10,000 Hz Legend showcased their innovation, incorporating acoustic elements, eclectic instrumentals, and textured synth layers.
Known for their ability to evoke nostalgia and futurism simultaneously, Air’s sound has remained both classic and avant-garde, inspiring a wide range of artists across genres. The band’s unique style and dedication to musical artistry have earned them a loyal fan base and a lasting legacy, solidifying Air as pioneers in electronic music and icons of ambient sound who made “chill” a genre of its own.
As the final notes of “Electronic Performers” drifted off into the night, the crowd burst into applause, clearly in awe of what they had just witnessed. Air had taken us on a journey back to a golden era of electronic music, reminding everyone in the room why Moon Safari remains such a revered album. The duo graciously thanked the Austin audience, visibly moved by the warmth and appreciation shown throughout the night.
Fans, and us, left the venue buzzing with excitement, many expressing how surreal it felt to have heard Moon Safari in its entirety. Air’s performance was a testament to the timeless power of music to transport, uplift, and unite us. This concert was not just a night out; it was a soulful, nostalgic experience that fans will remember long after the echoes of those dreamy synths fade.
Air – Austin, TX, 10/30/2024
- La femme d’argent
- Sexy Boy
- All I Need
- Kelly Watch the Stars
- Talisman
- Remember
- You Make It Easy
- Ce matin‐là
- New Star in the Sky (Chanson pour Solal)
- Le voyage de Pénélope
Set 2: - Radian
- Venus
- Cherry Blossom Girl
- Run
- Highschool Lover
- Don’t Be Light
Encore: - Alone in Kyoto
- Play Video
- Electronic Performers
