M83

Fantasy – Mute

M83, the brainchild of French artist, Anthony Gonzalez – who has produced music under this moniker since 2001 – has endeared us with a lengthy 13 track new album, Fantasy. The run-time of 1 hour and 6 minutes, though, does not seem overbearing, as it glides from one track to the other with relative ease and energy. While not as shoegaze as the classic, “Kim and Jessie” off the 2008 breakout, Saturdays = Youth, it does fall in line with more recent efforts, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming, and Junk, that emphasize a more 80s electronic ambience. For those younger folks, think Stranger Things type of music. It is comprised of extended instrumentals and fun, flighty tunes.

Track 1, “Water Deep,” begins with a light strumming guitar that explodes into a dream pop. Wonderland that flows effortlessly into a true gem, “Oceans Niagara,” (track 2). Track 5, “Earth to Sea,” sound like A Flock of Seagulls popped in on the recording session – with bouncy electric beats. Track 11, “Kool Nuit,” features artist Kaela on vocals and is a mix of French and English lyrics. Track 3, “Amnesia,” is the essential banger on this album – right from the get-go, a song that begs for movement and exuberance! I love track 8, the title track, “Fantasy,” as it breaks down hard at the midway point.

Tracks 1 and 12 are instrumentals. My favorites on this one are – 2**, 5**, 8**, 11**, 3**, 10**, and 4*. A delightful collection of lush soundscapes!

– (h)earwitness