AIR took the stage at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre to celebrate the 25th anniversary of their debut album, Moon Safari.
French musicians Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel played the record in its entirety, delivering an immersive experience that transported the audience back to the late 90s when electronic “chillout” music made its way into the mainstream.
Opening with “La femme d’argent,” AIR set a dreamy tone, balancing their signature blend of downtempo beats, serene melodies, and spacey vibes. Classic tracks like “Sexy Boy” and “Kelly Watch the Stars” were met with excitement, but the deeper cuts such as “Talisman” and “New Star in the Sky” resonated less with parts of the audience. The performance was backed by simple yet evocative visuals, enhancing the atmosphere without distracting from the music.
The concert’s pacing felt somewhat uneven. While the first half of the show was captivating, the energy sagged during slower, moodier tracks like “Remember” and “Ce matin-là,” where AIR’s minimalist approach bordered on repetitive. Some concertgoers seemed to lose focus during these extended ambient passages, and a few moments lacked the dynamism needed to keep the live audience fully engaged—if you were not under the influence of some kind of mind bending or euphoric substance.
Additionally, the setlist strictly followed the album’s original track order, which worked well for diehard fans but may have felt predictable or lacking in spontaneity for casual listeners.
Still, highlights such as the shimmering “All I Need” and the infectious groove of “Le voyage de Pénélope” reminded the crowd why Moon Safari remains an influential album in electronic music. AIR’s ability to recreate their studio sound in a live setting was technically impressive, but the concert occasionally suffered from a lack of energy and variation. The duo’s subdued stage presence contributed to this, as they opted to remain somewhat detached throughout the evening.
Overall, while AIR’s performance was a faithful and mostly enjoyable tribute to their debut album, it left some attendees wishing for more dynamic energy or creative reinterpretations of their beloved tracks. For fans of Moon Safari, this tour offers a chance to relive the album’s charm, but it may not fully satisfy those looking for a more engaging live show.
