Izzy Persico's journey through the magical enigma that was the M83 concert at the Fillmore.

I knew I was in for a spectacular show when M83’s signature ‘creature’ off the cover of their album ‘Midnight City’ started off the night by inviting the crowd to “join the band in their dream world”. The crowd was eased into the set with the song ‘Intro,’ which quickly set the mood of the show as the twinkling backdrop flashed in tune with the lights and music.

Frontman Anthony Gonzales then welcomed the crowd by stating his high expectations for the night. Gonzales’ vocals are accompanied by the voice of Morgan Kibby, who also plays keyboard, in addition to Loic Martin on drums.  However, Gonzales’ brother Yaan, seemed to elevate the energy of the band the most. Throughout each song, I was consistently entertained by watching Yaan perform. Whether he was rocking his head and shaking his curly fro to the beat, dancing around the stage, or falling to the ground for dramatic effect, he always kept me intrigued.

Aside from opening the show with ‘Intro,’ the set list was full of surprises. I expected the group’s most popular hit ‘Midnight City’ to be played at the beginning or end of the show, but it was placed somewhere in the middle

 It was around this time that the entire audience of the Fillmore, joined Gonzales while he cheered “Miami!” The set was composed of 13 songs, ending with rare 3 part encore to the surprise of all of us attending the sold out show.

          I have seen M83 twice before in Chicago, and the energy they brought to Miami just doesn’t compare. To say that the show exceeded my expectations, doesn’t nearly describe my experience.  Maybe it was because I squeezed my way to the front row and saw the performance up close or maybe because they had some ground to make up for after their last show in Miami, at Ultra Music Festival, was cut short- but take my word for it, it was an experience I will never forget. For the WVUMers out there that enjoy this heavily played artist, take the chance to participate in the unique musical journey M83 creates for their most prized possession- their audience.