Letter, number, number

Haved viewd some blues I went off to the Black Sheep Stage to see some electronic noise by French combo M83. Combo may be too strong a word ... it used to be a duo but is now one guy, Anthony Gonzalez, and whoever else he has along. I can't remember when I first heard their music - a promo copy of Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts made its way into my hands somehow, and I remember liking it enough to get a copy of Before The Dawn Heals Us.

While waiting for the show to start I scrutinized Gonzalez's box-of-stuff. The various cyclotrons and modulizers may be best appreciated at a higher resolution.



Switch-flicking and knob-turning.



If I'm not mistaken this is Morgan Kibby of The Romanovs.



Anthony sings some.



There's some serious multi-tasking going on here.



Guitar action!



There was also a drummer, stuck behind a screen, who you can sort of make out.



Singalong action!



Drumming action!



Morgan sings some more.



Anthony rocks some more.



This laptop stuff requires concentration.



Faceoff action ... it's not really the same with a screen.



Faceoff action!



Anthony gets on down.



Dual knob-twisting action!



Considering they were stuck behind various electronic devices I have to say M83 made a good attempt to craft a lively performance - a very solid show.

• Show reminder: John Tielli of Metal Kites and Clark the Band returns to Ottawa for a little solo action at The Manx. The Schomberg Fair bring the speedy gospel to The Rainbow.