M83 Release new album ‘Fantasy’

Anthony Gonzalez’s most recent M83 project, Fantasy, transports listeners to create their own fantastical journeys. The artist keeps important elements from his past work with a big, booming sound and consistent ebb and flow between each track but sets out to create a new sound.  Paired with unique, synth-pop tracks that create the perfect background for any daydream or movie montage - listeners can connect to the outlandish world created by each of the 13 tracks on the record.

For those wanting a similar feel to the addictive up-tempo of Midnight City, tracks like Amnesia or Us and The Rest help satisfy that desire for an all-encompassing, pop track. Fantasy differentiates itself from the past with its slow builds and down-to-earth songs. Water Deep, the opening of the album, as well as Oceans Niagara and Earth to Sea have a more grounded sound to them. Similar to their nature-inspired titles, the songs connect the listener with their environment, utilizing a sound that seems straight out of a nature documentary. 

The title track of the album, Fantasy, truly lives up to its name. The perfect combination of his classic 80’s inspired sound and dream-like melodies, Fantasy allows listeners to feel as though they’ve entered an entirely new space. One of the biggest takeaways from this album is its ability to pick up listeners and place them in their own made-up realities. 

Few of the songs featured on the album follow a typical lyrical structure. The intricate beats are the main drive behind each track, leaving the listener with the chance to create their own fantasies as they move through the project. In the handful of songs that do contain lyrics, they act more as an addition to the production rather than a focal point. Each song is over 4 minutes - with the exception of Water Deep and Sunny Boy Part 2 - giving each song time to build. A slow climb to a satisfying drop is a common theme throughout Fantasy. 
Overall, Fantasy is the perfect addition to M83’s discography. With the confidence to take on a new sound and the incorporation of his typical style, Anthony Gonzalez comes back with a powerful and inspiring album.