Nicolas Godin is best known for being half of the down-tempo electronic music duo Air. His own pieces stretch across the genres from classically french sounding clement songs, to jazz and minimal soundscapes. His new single 'The Border' uses a combination of live and electronic sounds, which form a very balanced and symmetrical feeling. With the repetitive live drum beat, the song uses simplicity and spaciousness at its core. Bass is used sparingly, but is loud in the mix, resonating throughout the body. Layers of synthesizers create the top layer of this song - a monotonous arpeggiator, and ethereal pad. The synths open up gradually, half way into the song, where unusual percussive elements augment, and a melodic flute sound lifts the track. There is a sensation of gliding, as a layered, vocoder vocal repeats the words "Take me to the border...meet me by the sea". When asked about the concept behind the song, Godin explains that he was inspired by the architect Mies Van Der Rohe who asks others to follow him to the Spanish border by the sea to show them a new path towards freedom and peace…leaving everything behind. 'The Border' promotes sensations of clarity and peace, as Godin ponders the travels of the architect. -Ellie Rose-Davies