M83's New Album: A Retro Video Game Odyssey

M83 has released DSVII, a new collection of instrumental music released 12 years after Digital Shades, Vol. 1. This album serves as a tribute to classic video game soundtracks, drawing inspiration from childhood gaming experiences. Anthony Gonzalez, the artist behind M83, showcases his evolution as a composer with this release.

DSVII features a more ornate and concept-driven approach compared to its predecessor. The tracklist suggests a high-fantasy video game soundtrack, positioning M83 alongside composers like Yasunori Mitsuda and Koji Kondo. The album diverges from M83's signature 1980s sound, incorporating 1970s influences with acoustic guitars and progressive arpeggios.

While the album offers poignant meditations and ambient pieces, some tracks exhibit a more excessive quality. Gratuitous drums and exaggerated chord changes appear on 'Feelings' and 'Temple of Sorrow.' The inclusion of flute solos and accordion on tracks like 'A Word of Wisdom' adds an eclectic, sometimes surprising, dimension to the M83 soundscape.