This is the fourth Coachella I have covered for the Coachella Valley Independent. I’ve seen many memorable performances. Motörhead was fantastic in 2014, while AC/DC rocked last year, and Major Lazer put on a spectacle in the Mojave in 2013.
However, I’d never been blown away—that is, until I watched M83’s show on Friday night. Simply put, it was a perfect performance that was both fun and, in some ways, unbeliebavle.
M83 first seriously piqued my interest in 2011, when I heard the band’s new album at the time, Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming. I was excited to hear the just-released new album, Junk—and could not wait to see the band when it was announced as part of the Coachella lineup.
In some ways, Junk is a cheesy throwback to the ’80s. Many of the songs feature a new-wave vibe and funky bass grooves; the album art even features creatures that could have been part of some’ 80s children’s television show. (M83 members have said the album was inspired by shows such as Punky Brewster.)
When M83 took the Coachella Stage at nearly 8 p.m., high winds were ripping through—and tore the top of the Outdoor Stage. Nonetheless, the crowd was anticipating M83. The minute the band took the stage and opened with “Reunion” from Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming—a concept album that was supposedly made for sleeping and dreaming—the crowd responded with a loud ovation and was soon singing along to the harmonic chorus of “Wh-oh-oh.”
The band played a selection of cuts from Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming that also included “Midnight City” and “Wait,” as well as songs from Junk such as “Do It, Try It” and “Go.”
The visuals on the new Coachella Stage were surreal, trippy and occasionally silly. The band’s ability to have fun and play off-the-wall ’70s- and ’80s-style tracks while seamlessly transitioning into the uplifting, ambient, emotional songs from Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming proves that not only are the members of M83 creative; they’re master performers as well.
M83 will no doubt be back at Coachella in the future—the distant future, perhaps, considering five years elapsed between the band’s most recent albums. When M83 does return, perhaps the band will be a headliner: 50 minutes of M83 was not enough, even though that 50 minutes featured an elated crowd that sang along and danced from start to finish.
Some people have claimed that rock ’n’ roll is dead. Shows like this prove that’s simply not so: Rock ’n’ roll may have evolved, but it’s most certainly alive in well. M83 is still kicking ass on instruments while playing fantastically written songs—and M83 is not the only group doing that in the modern day.
Thanks to M83’s show at Coachella, I’ve seen the future of what’s to come in music. And it’s excellent.
Where can I find this entire performance live?! The go jam was insane!