Live Report: Air transcend time and space at Fairview Park

In a universe where only 10km away, Charli XCX brought Brat to Malahide Castle, those at Fairview Park were transported across galaxies by French duo Air, comprising Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel.

The duo played chronologically through their iconic 1998 debut album Moon Safari, which is credited with paving the way for the burgeoning downtempo music style. Taking their places on the white booth-style stage sporting white jumpsuits, they kicked off the evening with the first track from the album, ‘La femme d’argent’.

Air at Fairview Park on June 17th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

If there was ever a track that demonstrates the crème de la crème of basslines, it’s this song. With the silkiest, smoothest tone, the bassline could be enjoyed on loop infinitely - it’s that divine. For seven minutes of electronic dream pop bliss, Air radiated pure, effortless cool. An entirely instrumental track, ‘La femme d’argent’ took the audience on a transportive journey to synth and bass heaven. Epic, explosive drums took the track to its climax, with its live version cranking up the heaviness a notch, momentarily turning it into a rock number.

Air at Fairview Park on June 17th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

Likely the group’s most famous song, ‘Sexy Boy’ sounded better live than I ever could have hoped for. Beautifully elegant, sultry and ethereal, ‘Sexy Boy’ is just as fresh and innovative as it was in 1998. One could only marvel at the outright masterful musicianship, with only three performers on stage and a sound as resplendent and full as that on display at Fairview Park. With breathtaking visuals of stars flying all around, it felt as if on their spaceship travelling through space and time, Air landed briefly on Earth to bless us with their other-worldly sound.

During ‘All I Need (feat. Beth Hirsch)’, and with the stage lit up in various shades of pink, it dawned on me that it was almost incongruous to hear Moon Safari sound identical live in chronological order, having grown up with it by my side and after listening to it album innumerable times. It was particularly momentous to hear such an iconic and meaningful album alongside my Dad, who introduced me to Air and stood beside me equally in awe at the sheer excellence we were witnessing.

Air at Fairview Park on June 17th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com

‘Talisman’ was another highlight, with the stage lit up in red. Exuding cool while smoke billowed around the stage, the crowd was swept away as the sexy, dulcet tones of Godin’s bass wrapped around us.

Speaking only briefly to say a quick merci and that they’re very happy to be here, Air closed Moon Safari with its last track, ‘Le voyage de Pénélope’, its rippling synths and sensual tempo the perfect conclusion to a spectacularly dreamy album.

Air proceeded to play some of their greatest hits, including a wonderful rendition of ‘Cherry Blossom Girl’ from 2004’s Walkie Talkie, a beautiful track with a delicate melody and heavenly harmonies. Although we knew we wouldn’t be getting a guest appearance from Charli, akin to her surprise collaboration on the track with the duo in Paris at the beginning of the month, the crowd still swayed to ‘Cherry Blossom Girl’ with its pink candour and clouds.

Other tracks like ‘Don’t Be Light’ played with fuzzy guitar, shifting the duo from their quintessential chill-out aura to a dark, moody and noisy dance-pop vibe.

It was a clear night to remember, I’m still floating. Thank you Air, for weaving a sound so unique it transcends time. I can’t think of many other records that feel like a trip down memory lane as well as a wink to the future.

Air at Fairview Park on June 17th, 2025. Copyright Abigail Ring/ hotpress.com