M83
Before The Dawn Heals Us
( 24/01/05 Labels)

Conceptual art/indie with an orbital feel is an apt way of painting the picture of Frenchman Anthony Gonzalez's 3rd full length offering, under the guise of M83 that is the road to depth, outer space and inner peace. Something that is evident from the outset, as the predominantly instrumental mind massager that is 'Moonchild' clears the track to discovery, featuring breath taking music and some low key female vocals covering the topics of astronomy and music, I think. The musical sophisticates and aficionados out there are

advised to head straight for ' * '. Thumping, humbling and oddly caressing this number displays all the maturity, depth and adventurousness of Gonzalez, who has now taken off as M83 and it will take a universe collide to bring him back down.

Behind the clatter and twangs of fashionable and in comparison crude popular modern rock out there, peers a beast of subtle experimental body and eye opening musical dexterity pumped by the heart of Mum, Sigur Ros and our mutual French friend Mr. M83. Even the human voice is utilized as an instrument in 'Teen Angst' that sees soothingly soft backing female vocals seemingly blow along the beat, before Gonzalez's subtle whisper blows into the mind delivering softly spoken poetry. They say that the New Year breeds boldness, but will people be adventurous enough to follow the M83 path? Fifteen fascinating forays into the recesses of the mind is reason enough to answer the aforementioned question in the affirmative.

http://www.ilovem83.com

David Adair