Music Upstarts—M83 - French rock group - Brief Article

Goldman, Vivien

NICE BEATS FROM NICE

The dulcet strains of the self-titled disc by M83, the new duo whose electronica seems to bask in the heat of their native Antibes (in the south of France), open with a neat contrast: a ghostly German voice intoning its love of shadows and darkness. "It's Klaus Kinski in Werner Herzog's Nosferatu the Vampyre [1979]. We love that film!" enthuses band member Nicolas, 21. He usually agrees with his partner and former schoolmate Anthony, 20. Both disdain the use of family names. "Why bother? It's fine as it is."

Indeed so, as their rise has been rapid. The requisite teen alienation came courtesy of growing up in a holiday town obsessed with its suntan, and no music scene. "Nice is beautiful, it's cool," Nico says, "but there wasn't much to do. We weren't the only group; there were a few reggae-type bands, but we did feel a bit lost."

Fans of Sonic Youth, Tangerine Dream and Can, Nico and Anthony locked themselves away in their shared apartment, and, over the course of three months, wove their melodious, spacey tracks, interspersed with dialogue from a sci-fi B-movie. Reminiscent of early Air, M83's sound is classic Gallic electronica, and diffuses the blissful ambience they call "mega-floaty" like an aromatherapy vaporizer. A friend suggested they send the results to the Parisian indie label Gooom, and they had a deal and a significant following faster than you can say "Prepare for takeoff."

Named after a distant galaxy--"I can't say where it is, I've never been there," cracks Nico--success has teleported M83 to the stage, a new frontier for the musicians. After three gigs, Nico reports, "Playing live is astonishing, bizarre. Next time we won't be so nervous."

Vivien Goldman is a frequent Interview contributor. Nicolas (left) wears a top by CALVIN KLEIN UNDERWEAR and jeans by A.P.C., Anthony wears clothes by KENZO.

COPYRIGHT 2001 Brant Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2001 Gale Group