In fact, last year’s critical and commerical smash was his sixth long player – good things come to those who wait, it would appear.
After October’s release of the extraordinarily ambitious double album – a sprawling, eclectic epic in the very truest sense, veering from synth rock and saxophone solos to soft, electro chill-out – M83 came to the UK for a show at Heaven. This time they’re at a far more fitting venue in west London’s Empire.
Combining electro with a distinctly Nineties-flavoured shoegazing indie-guitar aesthetic, M83 have always walked a distinct musical path. Since the departure of fellow founder Nicolas Fromageau, though, Gonzalez (with help from brother Yann) has forged a new and alternative direction, taking the syths, guitars and often low-in-the-mix vocals towards a more ambient composition. Remixing everyone from nu-metal survivors Deftones to Brit indie stars Bloc Party and Placebo to electro-pop minx Goldfrapp, M83’s influence is now far and wide.
There is the sense now, though, that Gonzalez’s critically acclaimed efforts are getting the commercial recognition – and expectant fans – they deserve, with M83 poised to finally deliver their contrary, electro-rock to the masses.
Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT
Thurs, feb 16 | Doors at 7pm | £25+
o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk
Tube: Shepherd’s Bush
