I saw M83 play a great show at Starlight Ballroom in Philly last night. A few thoughts and a bunch of pictures:

* I’m sort of embarrassed to admit that I didn’t know what kind of band M83 tours with. Turns out, it’s Anthony Gonzalez (the only full-time band member) on vocals, guitars, keyboards, and MacBook; Loic Maurin on Drums; Pierre-Marie Maulini on bass and guitar; and Morgan Kibby (of LA-based band The Romanovs) on vocals and keyboards.

* These guys can make some noise! Starlight has a hell of a soundsystem and M83 blew the doors off. My chest hasn’t rattled like that in a long time.

* They opened with Run Into Flowers from Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts (2003). KILLER.

* Loic Maurin’s drum set was behind a big plexiglass shield. I assume they do that so they can layer on the fuzz before it hits our eardrums. I’ve never seen this before.

* Kibby’s vocals were as goth as night, clear and dark and gorgeous. It’s almost insufficient to invoke a Kate Bush comparison. I think they give her more in the mix live than they do in the studio. She burned the house down.

Just a few superficial observations:
* Anthony is ripped, and plays with a constant facial expression of being on the verge of orgasm. It’s endearing.
* Pierre-Marie Maulini looks just like a girl my ex used to date, which would be uncanny if it weren’t such a style. Huzzah!
* No comment on the awesome Morgan Kibby. My mom reads this blog.

Check out the setlist in my last post.

All photos from Brooklyn Vegan.