Concert Review: M83

Israeli fans of French electronic rock artist M83 were treated to a tranquil display of synths, drones and occasional dance beats.

By JESSICA LEVING
Anthony Gonzalez 88 248 (photo credit: Courtesy)
Anthony Gonzalez 88 248
(photo credit: Courtesy)
M83 Barby Club Tel Aviv July 1 Israeli fans of French electronic rock artist M83 were treated to a tranquil display of synths, drones and occasional dance beats at a fun, chilled-out show Wednesday night at the Barby Club in Tel Aviv. The line-up kicked off with a solo display by Anthony Gonzalez, the only permanent band member, who played his Macbook keyboard with the same enthusiasm with which he played the guitar. At times, it was eerie to watch the audience fix their eyes so avidly on one guy methodically tapping on a computer, but the show picked up when Gonzalez was joined on stage by a drummer and by vocalist/keyboardist Morgan Kibby, of the American band The Romanovs. Once the trio began playing together, they embarked on a journey across genres, with songs ranging from haunting, ominous drones to techno dance mixes to catchy pop/rock tunes with soft vocal harmonies. Whichever direction the music headed, the audience went along for the ride, nodding at the slow parts and busting a move when the song called for it. Shouts of appreciation from the audience were largely in English and Hebrew, suggesting that Tel Aviv's burgeoning French émigré community had not come out en masse to support their countrymen. But the lack of Francophiles was no problem for Gonzalez, who used the opportunity to practice his Hebrew skills. "Sababa!" He called out to the audience after a few songs. "This is the only word we know in Hebrew! It seems to be a cool word."