So much music runs in the background that it’s easy for a group to fall through the cracks. M83 have been quietly producing hits for shoegazing fans for ten years. Unfortunately, aside from a few breakout hits, Anthony Gonzalez’s multi-layered rhythms have gone unnoticed.

That is until ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming’ propelled the band into the spotlight. With a little help from ‘Midnight City’- its synth beats jumping into every alternative club in the country - somehow M83 have pushed through the loose shoegazing stereotype and into the mainstream. Tonight’s venue has been upgraded to cope with the steady string of new fans wandering in M83’s direction with people climbing the walls to get a glimpse of Gonzalez and his band.

Without a word they jump into a multi-layered symphony of reverb and synths elongated by repetitive rhythms. Keyboardist Morgan takes centre stage, adding vocals at every opportunity while Gonzalez emerges from the shadows.

‘Reunion’ finally pushes the band into the limelight, accompanied by pounding rhythms and poptastic lyrics, with Gonzalez’s vocals channelling Animal Collective’s Panda Bear. Then the room explodes into a world of synths, rising until the air is thick with a twisted disco musk.

But despite the surge of fans towards the stage, Gonzalez barely acknowledges them, not saying a word. Whether it’s a language barrier or personal choice, it leaves the audience urging for more. As the set hits a lull slowly fans peel away as groups begin to gather at the bar.

Somehow M83's instrumental layers grow tired quickly, as another song builds to a mash of rhythms and guitars. In comparison the vocals look weak, even when accompanied by keyboardist Morgan.

‘Midnight City’ sets the room alight with its repetitive keyboards and techno drums, but again it’s the vocals that lack the real hook. An encore still has Gonzalez stagnant onstage, leaving other band members to engage with the audience. But there’s something about the group’s performance that feels unnatural. While the crowd surges almost spilling onto the stage it’s glaringly obvious the band are failing to get the same return.

Each song is note perfect, yet there’s no excitement, as another overlong track moulds into another. The band should be bouncing off the walls, bringing the disco beats to a warped indie rave but instead there’s a hard persona from Gonzalez that’s impossible to ignore.

M83 may be finally appealing for the masses, but it’s clear Gonzalez would rather be cooking up beats in a home studio than entertaining a buoyant crowd. Sometimes it’s better to let a band fall through the cracks and for M83 they’re more accustomed to life in the shadows.

Words by Ruth Offord
Photos by Andy Cook

Click here for a photo gallery of the performance.