M83: Saturdays=Youth

Label: Mute

M83’s move towards more vocals increases considerably and successfully thanks to new vocalist/keyboardist Morgan Kibby, not only because her breathy vocals are sexily intoxicating, but also for the variety she brings. Leader Anthony Gonzalez’s love of vintage keyboards remains, but he has not just moved more towards pop, he’s also honed his songwriting skills and acquired a better sense of structure. Yeah, the chiming guitars (returning drummer/guitarist/bassist/keyboardist Loic Maurin) and chord progression of “Graveyard Girl” keep threatening to turn into “Money Changes Everything,” but that fits well with the ‘80s love displayed throughout. Gonzalez shows he’s still got the ability to craft lush, dreamily drifting instrumental soundscapes on the closing “Midnight Souls Still Remain.” (Steve)