Sept.
9, 2004
M83 to Bring Its Electronic Ambiance to Chicago for
First Time
By Randy J. Klodz
There’s a new buzz coming from France, and this time it has nothing
to do with altering the spelling of French toast to Freedom toast or any of
that nonsense. The brewing buzz involves French artist Anthony Gonzalez and
his mostly instrumental, electronic-driven music, a project dubbed M83. M83
will be making its debut Chicago appearance on Sept. 16 at The Empty Bottle.
M83, which includes Anthony Gonzalez--and his assistant friend Nicolas Fromageau--will
be performing in the United States for the first time. M83 will also be performing
as a quartet for the first time, something Gonzalez is excited about, as the
quartet format worked well when electronica mogul Paul Oakenfold debuted this
way in 2002. “This will be more like a rock ‘n roll band,”
Gonzalez said. “Just two guys with computers on stage is boring for
the fans.”
Aside from a growing United States fan base, M83 will be greeted by what Gonzalez
called “a lot of good friends,” as well as plenty of press, which
has said positive things about “Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts,”
M83’s second full-length release, which hit North American shores July
27.
“Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts” songs such as “Noise,”
“Run into Flowers,” “America” and “Cyborg,”
as well as many others, sound more like motion picture soundscapes than they
do, say, run-of-the-mill drum and bass tracks that are frequently played at
dance clubs or raves. This unique style of music is sure to be a gladly accepted
change of pace that any rock or dance crowd should enjoy.
Fans can expect M83 to perform for about an hour, as Gonzalez prefers quality
to quantity when it comes to his team’s performances. “I don’t
like to put on really long shows, I prefer a shorter, stronger show,”
he said.
The Empty Bottle is at 1035 N. Western Ave. Tickets for this 21+ show are
listed for $12 in advance and $14 at the door, with show time slated for 7:30
p.m. For more information on M83 log on to www.gooom.com.
