M83 announces video game soundtrack/80s movie/synthesizer-inspired album that is definitely not the soundtrack to Stranger Things

M83 announces video game soundtrack/80s movie/synthesizer-inspired album that is definitely not the soundtrack to Stranger Things
Photo: Jeremy Searle

It’s a big summer for sequels. From Spider-Man to Buzz Lightyear to even Anton Chigurh, all your favorites are back again for another rollicking romp through cinemas nationwide. Getting in right on the cusp of summer sequel fever is M83, who will be releasing DSVII — their direct successor to Digital Shades VOL. 1 — on September 20 via Mute.

Released in 2007, Digital Shades VOL. 1 was a collection of unused ambient tracks — largely inspired by who else but Brian Eno — that Anthony Gonzalez wanted to properly release into the world, lest they fade into the void.

For DSVII, Gonzalez was heavily influenced by early video game soundtracks (The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy,) sci-fi and fantasy films from the 80s (John Boorman’s Zardoz, John Carpenter’s In the Mouth of Madness), analog synth pioneers (Suzanne Ciani’s Seven Waves, Mort Garson’s Plantasia), and, of course…Brian Eno.

As Gonzalez explains, “During the summer of 2017, I spent five months in Cap d’Antibes, France. I mainly spent my time swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, reading, watching films and playing 80s video games.” A charmed lifestyle we can all relate to.

He continues, “The inspiration behind this record is mainly video game music. It felt so refreshing to play all of these old school games again. There is something so naive and touching about them. It’s simple and imperfect.”

Pre-order a touch of the simple and imperfect by clicking here, before DSVII comes out September 20 via Mute. Check out the album’s artwork and full tracklisting down below.

DSVII

01. Hell Riders
02. A Bit of Sweetness
03. Goodbye Captain Lee
04. Colonies
05. Meet The Friends
06. Feelings
07. A Word of Wisdom
08. Lune De Fiel
09. Jeux D’Enfants
10. A Taste of the Dusk
11. Lunar Son
12. Oh Yes You’re There, Everyday
13. Mirage
14. Taifun Glory
15. Temple of Sorrow

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