 returns with an epic new double album ‘Hurry Up We’re Dreaming.’ Produced by Justin Meldal-Johnson and hosting an array of impressive contributors including members of Zola Jesus and Medicine, M83’s second offering has got a lot to live up to. The album […] "'Pin It")
REVIEW: M83 – HURRY UP, WE’RE DREAMING
After receiving high acclaim for his debut album ’Saturdays=Youth,’ M83 (a.k.a. Anthony Gonzalez) returns with an epic new double album ‘Hurry Up We’re Dreaming.’ Produced by Justin Meldal-Johnson and hosting an array of impressive contributors including members of Zola Jesus and Medicine, M83’s second offering has got a lot to live up to.
The album begins with the aptly titled ‘Intro.’ Starting off with atmospheric drones before bursting into a synth-tastic frenzy with sultry vocals, this is what Sigur Ros would sound like after a few strong whiskies. With a crescendo so well done thanks to tension built wails and introductory drum beats, you can just see this going down well at a Glastonbury dusk set – fireworks, sing-a-longs, hands in the air, the lot. After that epic introduction, M83 is quick to keep the pace going with single ‘Midnight City.’ A favourite with Radio 1 and a regular on dramatic scenes in a certain posh E4 reality show, you want nothing more but to hate it. But it’s so darn catchy, you can’t help but bust out some serious dance-floor swagger and enjoy what is simply a fantastic electro-pop groove. There’s saxophone at the end too! Saxophone!
Track three ‘Reunion’ takes a rockier approach – although this may only be due to the prominent guitar provided by Brad Laner of Medicine fame. Morgan Kibby returns to say some lovely things in a rather sexy, sultry voice which only aids the chorus’ ‘woah-oh-ohhh!’ remedy that makes the song another catchy belter. ‘Where the Boats Go’ starts off like another suspense fuelled synth number, moving into some delicate classic keys. There’s no vocals and no catchy chorus, which makes this particular song stand out like a sore thumb but hey, we need a breather after those first three.
‘Wait’ is a gorgeous, simple, guitar accompanied song with exquisite harmonies and gentle commitment. It’s odd that this song features on the same album, as it’s so different to the first half; nevertheless it’s a great tune that of course, features an outro worthy of a stadium. The album then goes back to its electro roots, with the uber-cutesy ‘Raconte-Moi Une Histoire.’ Featuring the story-telling of a little girl, with frogs and cupcakes included, this song couldn’t be any more twee. It’s nice though. The album finishes off with the Animal Collective styled ‘Train To Puton,’ the poppy ‘Claudia Lewis,’ the raucous of ‘This Bright Flash’ and finally, the surprisingly quiet ‘When Will You Come Home.’
‘Hurry up We’re Dreaming’ may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Gonzalez has managed to create an album of warmth, depth and beauty whilst still throwing in a few dance floor numbers. It won’t be like anything else you’ve heard in a long while.
Words: Sammy Maine
