If you look up the word “euphoria” in
the dictionary, the definition will simply read “M83”. Probably.
Their 80s electro and shoegaze inspired sound - awash with droning spacey
synths, live drum beats and mesmeric vocals – inspires a certain kind of elated
euphoria, the sort to have the audience’s kneels trembling, palms to the sky
and hearts raised to the heavens.
Brixton Academy was the last leg in the band’s current tour
of Europe for their third album ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’. Since the release of single Midnight City, the French band (led by
Anthony Gonzalez) have seen a meteoric rise in popularity and that song in
particular had the audience’s hands in the air quicker than you can say Made In
Chelsea. Introduced by an odd creature
spouting lasers from its fingertips (no, really), the set list comprised a ‘best
of’ from their last two albums, ‘Hurry Up…’ and ‘Saturdays=Youth’, including
the likes of Reunion, Raconte-Moi Une
Histoire (“I heard about this frog…”), We
Own The Sky and a huge encore of Couleurs. Each track was extended and remixed for an
original take on their hits, with live drums, guitars and keyboards smacked and
plucked with dynamic energy. The slower,
more hypnotic tracks were less well received in a live environment, but were
ultimately counteracted by the sheer overwhelming power of the overall
performance. The only real gripe was
that the gig whizzed by far too quickly and with a considerable back catalogue
from their three albums (‘Hurry Up…’ alone has 22 tracks), some tracks were
unfortunately neglected.
The support act came in the form of Man Without Country –
three figures performing in smoky silhouettes, flashes of light colouring the
stage like lightning. They proved to be
a worthy support to M83: all pulsing, thunderous drum patterns, throbbing,
bubbling basslines and wailing Pet Shop Boys-esque vocals that washed over the
crowd. Their debut album ‘Foe’ is available
now and well worth checking out.
M83’s widescreen electro was made to be heard on an epic sound
system. Filling the cavernous Brixton
Academy, their (still awesome) recordings pale in comparison to their live
show. And the music was accompanied by a
spectacular light and laser show: the backdrop lit like a solar system, the music
our transportation, the flashing beams and kaleidoscopic colours opening the
roof and guiding us upwards. Euphoria
doesn’t begin to cover it.
5/5