M83 is making a return, and as usual, it’s grand, it’s cinematic, and deeply satisfying. “Fantasy“, which is set to drop on March 17th, features Anthony Gonzalez hearkening back to the guitar-aided shoegaze that characterized 2005’s “Before the Dawn Heals Us“, along with majestic synths, imagery of waterfalls, and a sense of awe. The passion of M83’s ninth studio album is clearly on display in lead single “Oceans Niagara,” which trades traditional vocal melodies for pure guitar power and a stunning wall of sound. M83 lovers, let’s go!
Buzzing synths and swirling guitar combine into a triumphant melody in “Oceans Niagara,” a song Gonzalez said was meant to create “this sense of friendship. Listening to that song, I imagine people running, driving fast, or riding spaceships together. It’s this sense of going forward, like a magic potion that you take to discover new worlds. Beyond Adventure!”
Anthony Gonzalez has readied his ninth album as M83. “Fantasy” arrives March 17th via Mute, and M83 will take the record on the road with a North American tour that begins in April. What’s more, first single “Oceans Niagara” is out now.
“Listening to that song, I imagine people running, driving fast, or riding spaceships together. It’s this sense of going forward, like a magic potion that you take to discover new worlds.” I have to agree with him on the “riding spaceships together” part. His brother Yann Gonzalez directed the video, which compliments the song’s trippy vibe.
“I wanted this record to be very impactful live,” M83 said of “Fantasy”. “The idea was to come back with something closer to the energy of [2005’s] “Before the Dawn Heals Us“. The combination of guitars and synths is always in my music, but it’s maybe more present on this new record than on the previous ones.”
That emphasis on guitar is sure to make M83’s upcoming tour especially interesting.
The Fat Angel Sings 