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Despite the myriad of French Electronica duos, Air has always managed to carve a niche of their own. Since their 1998 debut, “Moon Safari,” a reputation has formed for the band’s unique brand of retro-futurism, vast knowledge of synthesizers, and knack for turning out catchy tunes.

However, their heavily experimental nature has often cost them and their third album, 2001’s “10,000 Hz Legend” is proof. The album was widely criticized for deviating from the formula laid out on “Moon Safari,” despite much of its forward looking and innovative content. This led Air to backtrack in style, forsaking much of their innovative experimentation which had given “10,000 Hz Legend” its charm.

“Love 2” is Air’s most recent effort and is the follow-up to 2007’s critically acclaimed “Pocket Symphony”. The album kicks off with “Do the Joy,” a driving rocker that harkens back to early Air with fluttering electric piano, creepy computerized voices, and an array of vintage synthesizers that bubble up from the ether.

The highlights of the album are top-notch, including the Serge Gainsbourg influenced “So Light Is Her Footfall,” the jazz fusion of “Tropical Disease,” and the airy ambience of “You Can Tell It To Everybody.” Yet the lows are equally low — the title track being a veritable train wreck.

“Love 2” isn’t all bad; in fact, many of the songs on the album are pleasant enough. However, they’re merely that. Very little stands out. The problem with “Love 2” isn’t the individual songs but rather it is the lack of an underlying theme or feeling. Air tries to accomplish way too much in way too little space. It often comes off as though the band read a book on hit-making and tried to cram every tip into each song. And although Air deserves more recognition, this certainly isn’t the way to gain it.

For fans of: M83, Boards of Canada and Stereolab