M83, the electronic band from Antibes, France formed way back in 1999. Originally a duo, Anthony Gonzalez became the sole songwriter and lead vocalist when Nicolas Fromageau left after the release of their second album. Seven albums later, Gonzalez is still recording primarily on his own as M83 accompanied by numerous guest musicians. Their sound could be described as dense guitars, layered synthesizers, reverb effects, dreamy vocals, and spacey lyrics (the band is after all named for a galaxy far far away). I was first introduced to them by Sirius XMU radio, with the track “Kim & Jessie” off their fifth album Saturdays=Youth in 2008. It was a more focused song structure for the band as opposed to the ambient flow of much of their music. Inspired by the Smashing Pumpkins’ Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, 2011’s release Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming was a double album and contained the group’s international breakout hit, “Midnight City” (as heard in a Victoria Secret commercial). M83 songs have appeared in numerous films and television shows and Gonzalez has produced multiple soundtracks, including directing and composing a Cirque du Soleil touring show.
Fantasy
Just released in March, Fantasy is another ambitious effort that sweeps you into its wave and holds you under for over an hour. It’s similar terrain for M83 with vocals and music blending together in a wandering sonic dream. The lead single, “Oceans Niagara,” slowly builds into a sparkling high point with its two-word vocal, “Beyond adventure.” The album intro, “Water Deep” and “Ready, Far, Gone” are folk-oriented with acoustic guitars in the forefront. “Laura” is a power love ballad. The upbeat anthem “Amnesia” is the closest to a catchy song ala “Midnight City” or “Kim and Jessie.” Above all, however, Fantasy is not selling songs, but an ethereal, immersive experience meant to be consumed in one contemplative sitting.
M83 in Concert, Vina Robles Amphitheater, Paso Robles, CA May 14, 2023
“Water Deep/Oceans Niagara” was the perfect opening statement for the band’s huge sound. “Amnesia” was next which clearly announced the Fantasy emphasis of the tour; 10 songs in total from the new album. After several listens, it was still growing on me, and I couldn’t place the songs too well. They only played one song from Saturdays=Youth and unfortunately it wasn’t “Kim & Jessie.” The first songs from Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming were the last four of the show, the opulent “My Tears are Becoming a Sea” closing the set, the crowd-pleasing “Midnight City” to start the encore, and the wistful “Mirror/Outro” to finish the 1:38 show.
M83 performs like a single organism. Gonzalez doesn’t stand out as the front man, but as one member of an entertaining, engaging troupe. There were no solos (except for the keynote sax on “Midnight City”), instead, a band coalescing to create rousing crescendos. The light show was graphic, colorful, and also affirmed the group dynamic. There were soaring moments and a couple of head-banging freak outs. Since this was my first time seeing M83, I wish they would have played a couple of their more accessible songs at the expense of at least one of the chaotic noise interludes. But M83 has never been about hit singles. Their sprawling sound could be called a synth jam band (my wife gets the credit for that description). They’re also not their lush, dreamy studio selves in front of a live audience. They’re loud to where the synths engulf you and the bass rumbles the ground under your feet. Indeed, M83 are a living juxtaposition and worth getting to know.
D² Rating Album & Concert ◼◼◼☐☐
Trivia: Anthony Gonzales composed the soundtrack for what 2013 post-apocalyptic action film starring Tom Cruise?
Answer: Oblivion