M83 - Fantasy
M83
Fantasy
By: Kai Leung
Fantasy is a visit to the past, both literally and metaphorically. But it fails to hold steady when faced with a comparison to the past.
French electronic group, M83, rose to the spotlight over a decade ago with their album Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. The album was subsequently nominated for a Grammy, cementing them in music history both culturally and sonically.
In the years since then, the group, powered primarily by stalwart Anthony Gonzalez, slowly turned away from that sound while exploring other genres through the lens of their craftsmanship. However, their more recent album, Fantasy, is a toe-dip back into the aesthetics and essence of Hurry Up, We're Dreaming.
So, what is the imagery of Fantasy?
Their ninth studio album evokes feelings of nostalgia, both stylistically and sonically. The album’s title track, "Fantasy," is a great example, seamlessly mixing together a disco-like use of bass and drums with its vibrant pop synth. It creates this timeless feeling, both modern and tastefully dated in its own way.
M83 has consistently used 80s aesthetics when creating music, with their use of lead and drum tones reminiscent of a-ha and Duran Duran, and adding the cinematic twist that they're known for.
However, much like the latter artist, there are aspects where M83 dips into more rock than synth-pop. "Radar, Far, Gone" uses beats from soft-rock and shoegaze, with a strong acoustic guitar presence throughout, as well as a liberal use of chorus and reverb.
While also nostalgic, the album has the overall cinematic elements typical to M83's musical blueprint. "Deceiver" and "Us and The Rest" are both strong in this regard, and are terrific sleeper hits on the album as they paint scenes of gentle, vulnerable moments between characters.
The song "Ocean's Niagara" is the only single from Fantasy as well as the only song to get a music video. The video itself once again heavily dives into the 80s sci-fi nostalgia, from the color grade to the clothes the actors wear. The song goes in with this aesthetic, with its heavy use of synth, chorus guitars, and reverbed drums.
While Fantasy has great solo pieces, there is a lack of flow between songs. The album is still cinematic, but the storyline seems to resolve itself by the end of the song, or not at all.
Rather than a teen drama full of angst and messages about growing up, it's almost sitcom-like in its delivery.
Less Sex Education and more Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Both shows have their high and low points, but one is more willing to paint a larger portrait.
None of this is to say that there is a lack of/weak theme - but there is a lesser attention to detail that M83 typically showcases across their albums. This does not entirely distract the casual listener while they go through the album, but fans of Hurry Up, We're Dreaming may prefer the original spark compared to Fantasy's reimagining.
In essence, Fantasy is a well-done reconnection to the sound that made M83 famous in the first place. While still powerful, it lacks polish in the thematic areas that are relied on when attempting to create a cinematic experience for the listener.
