Anthony Gonzalez of the band M83 performs during the first weekend of the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.Chris Pizzello/The Associated Press
M83, the nearby galaxy, has generated six observed supernovas since 1923. M83, the Paris-based electro-pop outfit, currently enjoys its own explosion, thanks to last year's synth-shoegaze-and-sometimes-saxophone epic Hurry Up, We're Dreaming and the double album's unavoidable single Midnight City. Soothing, cool-temperature eighties sounds are in fashion, and it really doesn't matter if the long-running project of Anthony Gonzalez has triggered the revival or if it simply has found its own place in time. Opening spots on tours with Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode and The Killers increased exposure, as did song placement on a Victoria's Secret ad campaign. A new dazzling light show enhances M83's concert experiment. "Waiting in car," Mr. Gonzalez softly and morosely croons on Midnight City, "waiting for a ride in the dark." It could be a limousine to the after-party or the next show, or it could mean a ride much more adventurous. If it's the latter, it appears we have something very much like lift-off.
Brad Wheeler
M83 plays May 6, 8 p.m. $32.75, Sound Academy, 11 Polson St., 1-855-985-5000
Brad Wheeler