Recording information: 2000 - 2002.
After two successful and acclaimed albums, the French electronica act M83 finally had its self-titled collection of early work released internationally in 2005. While these tracks, dating from 2001-02, display M83's signature synthesizer-heavy sound, they also show the group creating more abstract sonic landscapes that only hint at its later pop-informed aesthetic. (The surging "Sitting" seems like a dry run for the majestic "Run Into Flowers" from DEAD CITIES, RED SEAS & LOST GHOSTS.) Featuring spare beats and occasional guitar riffs amidst dense keyboard lines, this disc also lacks any vocals (with the exception of a few voice samples), making it a more conceptual though still compelling record.