Synth-pop group M83 have announced the release date for their upcoming album DSVII, the successor to their 2007 release Digital Shades Volume 1, for a September 20th release on Mute Records. This project is headed by the the band’s primary vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer Anthony Gonzalez.

DSVII was recorded entirely by analog equipment during the fall of 2017, and the spring of 2018 at Gonzalez’s Los Angeles studio, as well as the Glendale, California studio of Justin Meldal-Johnsen, who has worked with Nine Inch Nails and Beck.

The release is set to follow the tone of the first Digital Shades release, which compiled many of the ambient recordings that Gonzalez made, which served as a departure from their typical synth-pop sound. Gonzalez explained that ambient record producer Brian Eno, was a major influence on this project.

Gonzalez sought to upgrade the sound of this album, by presenting it on a larger scale by utilizing early video game soundtracks, ‘80s sci-fi/fantasy films and analog synth pioneers such as Suzanne Ciani, Mort Garson, John Carpenter and the aforementioned Eno.

Although the band is now based out of Los Angeles, the group originated in the Mediterranean resort town of Cap d’Antibes, France, as a duo between Gonzalez and Nicolas Fromageau. Prior to the recording of the album, Gonzaelez returned to his hometown, taking large inspiration from the ’80s video games that coincide with his youth.

“During the summer of 2017, I spent five months in Cap d’Antibes, France. I mainly spent my time swimming in the Mediterranean Sea, reading, watching films and playing ‘80s video games,” Gonzalez explained in a press release. “The inspiration behind this record is mainly video game music. It felt so refreshing to play all of these old school games again. There is something so naive and touching about them. It’s simple and imperfect. And this is exactly what I tried to achieve with Digital Shades Vol. 2.”

Earlier this year M83 released the Knife + Heart soundtrack, which was made for the French film. This project mixed a multitude of diverse electronic sounds ranging from IDM, ambient and even lo-fi funk recordings.

DSVII Tracklist
1. Hell Riders
2. A Bit of Sweetness
3. Goodbye Captain Lee
4. Colonies
5. Meet The Friends
6. Feelings
7. A Word of Wisdom
8. Lune De Fiel
9. Jeux D’Enfants
10. A Taste of the Dusk
11. Lunar Son
12. Oh Yes You’re There, Everyday
13. Mirage
14. Taifun Glory
15. Temple of Sorrow

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat