While the pairing of this superstar actress with the adventurous electronic duo Air is bound to send novelty seekers into self-lubricating throes of anticipation, the presence of famed Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich and Pulp frontman Jarvis Cocker’s lyrics could inspire at least a moistening twinge of curiosity in discriminating listeners too. Gainsbourg routinely proves her dedication to the craft of acting, so it seems unfair to automatically doubt her singing, most notoriously demonstrated at age 12 when she and her father, legendary lech Serge Gainsbourg, dueted on the shocking “Lemon Incest.” But, because Air’s sumptuous atmospheres get pushed back to a frosty distance, 5:55 comes off like a screen test, with Gainsbourg’s whispery evocations of vaguely grim emotions way too far up-front. Then again, it does make a perfect soundtrack for seducing equally frosty and slightly pretentious 20something girls. Just don’t act surprised when you feel empty in the morning. For bona-fide companionship, however, you might wanna hold out for Air’s next album --- and Gainsbourg’s next film.

--- Saby Reyes-Kulkarni