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ESSENTIAL NEW MUSIC

Essential New Music: M83’s “Junk”

M83’s Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming was a glorious exploration of high-gloss dream-pop and cathartic synth-pop. The 2011 album was the band’s breakthrough, building on the strengths of 2008’s Saturdays = Youth. Junk moves in a different, at times kitschier direction, and it lacks Morgan Kibby’s cooing vocals. (Several other female vocalists contribute, however.) The touch is lighter, with more interest in groove and atmosphere than climax, and the arrangements hint at yacht rock (“Walkaway Blues”), instrumental Philly soul (“Moon Crystal”) and jazz/rock fusion (“Solitude”).

Although anchored in synths, the songs have the light-touch of Air’s Moon Taxi (“Bibi The Dog”). That’s not to say that Junk is entirely retro—its Auto-Tuned vocals, blend of electronic and analog instruments, and eclectic bent make it very 21st century. But the stakes seem lower this time, and whether raving up with “Do It, Try It” or coming down with “For The Kids,” the highs don’t reach the heights of Hurry Up’s “Midnight City” or Saturday’s “Kim & Jessie.”

—Steve Klinge