The ’80s are definitely back from the future this fall — from “Footloose” and “Thing” remakes to lifejacket vest revivals, nostalgia is in full bloom. And music has provided the soundtrack — bands like Twin Sister and Neon Indian giving listeners woozy electronic bleeps and shimmering synths to create the sonic equivalent of an Atari arcade game. These artists act more like samplers, taking sounds from past achievements and weaving them into a more hip-hop and pop-based format.
In contrast, M83’s Anthony Gonzalez is more like a classical composer. Akin to artists like The Dream Academy or Simple Minds, his music is lush, carefully constructed orchestral-pop practically glistening in synths and drum machines. It’s a fever dream sound that matches the cover for his latest album, _Hurry Up We’re Dreaming_: neon-hued and slightly menacing. The release is a 72-minute, double-CD sprawl, chock full of more traditional pop music, brief instrumentals and left turns into bizarre experimentation. It’s an awful lot to swallow, but Gonzalez is in full control of his production and pacing, and it’s incredible that the 22-song set works as well as it does.
Another reason could simply be there are some tremendous musical moments. “Intro” (with walls of keyboards and Zola Jesus’ contributing vocals), “Claudia Lewis” (complete with Seinfeld slap bass) and “Steve McQueen” are all rich in texture and engaging enough in their pop structures. As well, Gonzalez is a skilled instrumentalist. The brief instrumental passages such as “Where the Boats Go” and “Fountains” recall the better work from Brian Eno’s ambient albums, their synth work beautiful and slightly uneasy. Conversely, some of _Hurry Up We’re Dreaming_’s best moments come from more traditional instruments, such as the shoegazing guitars “Echoes of Mine” and the traditional orchestral backing in “Soon, My Friend.” There’s even some cheesy sax and jazz flute near the end of “New Map,” proof that Gonzalez’s love for the ’80s sound is all-encompassing without being overwhelming.
However, at times, _Hurry Up We’re Dreaming_ spreads itself a little too thin: experimental moments like “Raconte-Moi Une Histoire” don’t gel with the work as whole and come across as filler. However, most of the material here is terrific, with the balance of some serious ambition and a sense of pacing that makes a surprisingly cohesive work and testament to Gonzalez being one of the most effective producers today. His work and textures reward repeat listens. As such, for anyone’s ’80s nostalgia high, M83 is here for the long haul.
