Average Metacritic store is 75 (27 reviews)

http://www.tinymixtapes.com/musicreviews/m/m83.htm

M83
Before the Dawn Heals Us (Mute)
January 25,2005

rating: 4.5/5
reviewer: gretel


Before The Dawn Heals Us, M83's new album, now solely consistent of Anthony Gonzalez, was just such an experience for me upon first listen: an emotional let down. It almost depressed me at one point as I asked myself how Gonzalez could have sold himself so short. Among my initial reactions were, a) this sounds way too much like Dead Cities, b) this doesn't come close to matching the cinematic grandeur of Dead Cities, and c) these melodramatic monologues are fucking lame. While I still hold on to that last opinion (seriously, it's bad), I must say that I have since completely regressed on the other two. In fact, I think I kind of love the album.

Already by my second listen, the album's first track, "Moonchild," had begun to grow on me. Drum fills reminiscent of Dead Cities' "Gone" give way to an explosion, a 'wall of sound' fitting for no band but M83 (no, not even you-know-who). The next track is the remarkable single, "Don't Save Us From The Flames," which, despite its morbid lyrics, is oddly gleeful. Already by this time, one definite departure from Dead Cities is evident: this is a much more rock-oriented effort. The drums, though they may very well still be programmed, sound more acoustic than electronic, the guitars sound like guitars more often than not, and Gonzalez sings beyond simple repetitions.

The beautifully ethereal "In The Cold I'm Standing" follows, but it's the subsequent track, "Farewell/Goodbye," that might very well be the standout track on the album. Gonzalez's vocal harmonies are beyond admirable; they're down right amazing. Terribly poignant, alternately glorious and despairing, it finds no parallel anywhere else in the M83 catalogue. The drum work, subtle yet effective, is equally impressive, at times reminiscent of much of Phil Selway's work. It is also remarkable in that it lacks any sort of superfluity, something which can't be said for most other M83 songs.

In the end, I can't justify my initial distaste for the album. Like I said, first times are peculiar experiences; sometimes they're wonderful, sometimes we're just not ready for them. But this album is full of so many moments of exhilarating joy ("Teen Angst," "Can't Stop) and equally exhilarating sorrow ("Farewell/Goodbye," "Safe,") that I don't even care anymore. I'm just glad I finally came around.

I like this one quite a lot. It leaked SO EARLY though, that it feels like it was released in 2004.

There are some definite misfires on the record, imo, but the highs are more frequent than on any other M83 release, and certainly counterbalance the lows.

Really good live...

Though I didn't get a chance to hear this album, I must say the singles "Don't Save Us From The Flames" and "Teen Angst" are two of my favourites from this year and only a couple bands could top them.

It'll be be in the lower bit of my Top 20 for the year. Is good.

I like this album a lot but I haven't listened to it in quite awhile. I think it'll be somewhere in my top 20 though.

According to me, Superpitcher's remix of Don't Save Us From The Flames is better than the original.

GDI, I forgot about this album, will have to revisit it...

Its no Dead Cities, that's for sure

then again, not much is.

after initial backlash of this album, I was defending it a great deal, saying how cinematic it felt and that it was nearly as good as Dead Cities...

it's still a good record, great for driving, but it really just doesn't do nearly as much for me as it used to.

I'm not weighing in on this album until I hear what Hansel says about it.

i like this quite a bit, but it won't come close to my top 20. that's how strong this year has been IMO.

I actually really like Boom Bip's version, but to each their own. Good album overall, although I have to be in the mood to hear this. I put it on when I'm chilling. Rather impressive live.