The Gallic chevaliers keep their audience at arms length live and, somewhat, outside of their spell

Almost six months after previewing their sophomore album ‘10000 Hz Legend’, Air performed their second (of three) sold-out London show in two weeks. As on the previous occasions there is an instant infusion of everyone with a feeling that some magic is in the hall tonight. Atmo-pieces, cyber-drama and cinematic poparama furnish a sonic world where real chairs would have been welcomed, as there was little opportunity to join in or participate in the physical/vocal sense. Pulsating beats, phat basslines and treble noises dazzled but Nicolas Godin, Jean Benoit Dunkel and their backing trio kept adulation at arm's length.

Perhaps the first time the nerves contributed to their patchy set and this time is more professional, more polished and yet – more distant. Strange twosome they are, like badly fitting stage-suits, feeling that music is what matters and not all this pop-disposition and adulation. The eve’s repertoire (the setlist almost mirrors the Spring’s one) began with ‘Electronic Performers’, the opening track from their May released ‘10000 Hz Legend’. Sounding like Pink Floyd landing on an Y3K planet where the opposition is led by Massive Attack, the signs were promising.

It was soon followed by jolly and radio-friendly ‘Radio #1’, the current album’s pick for a single, but it didn’t take long to get into sombre pieces from their ‘Virgin Suicides’ soundtrack – as cheerful as depression but hauntingly exotic. These were followed by more solemn, bleak and quiet-ish songs for fans’ to listen in an amazement and revered awe at.

The lights were exciting (and we are talking stylish here) and beneath the performers swapped instruments and vocals that left the proverbial moshpit on an enforced day-off. ‘10000 Hz’ is a dark, mature, more prog-industrial offering from the two Frenchmen who provided cocktail-pop and cosmic expanse on their debut ‘Moon Safari’. Air trade in enthralling soundscapes for a crowd that once could have been happy at an Oasis gig.

The deft display of moods and ingenious shifts in ambience, satisfy many a post-cyberthrill-seeker, collecting together as they do techno-noises, avant-acoustics, effects, distorted vocals, for a charming, dreamy and elegant set. By encore-time – ‘Kelly Watch The Stars’ and ‘Sexy Boy’ – everyone was impressed by the technicality of it although ‘narcotically’ (we are in the Republic of Brixton) short-changed.

Air in studio – check: Air on stage – charmless, static and badly needing re-emoting.

Guest editor: Deirdre Molloy