Dreamy electro-poppers M83 are named not after a motorway but, much more appropriately, after a galaxy. 'Messier 83' is, you will no doubt be aware, a distinctive spiral galaxy of the type first categorised by Edwin Hubble. Nerds, eh?

Formed in Antibes, France, in 2001 by French musician Anthony Gonzalez and former member Nicolas Fromageau, M83 quickly got into their stride as an ethereal pop/shoegaze band of no little charm. A decade on and, not only is everyone a science geek these days, but Gonzalez's band has forged a reputation for top quality electro-pop with worldwide appeal.

From the early-doors release of the limited-run eponymous debut back in April 2001 to the forthcoming 'Hurry Up, We're Dreaming' double album (due for release next month), M83 have gathered momentum and credibility at every turn.

In 2011, Anthony Gonzalez's project have matured into French pop trailblazers, playing to full houses everywhere and clocking-up countless films, games and TV credits along the way. With the new record due for UK release on 18th October, M83 have lined-up a series of dates to air the new material and spread the entente cordiale.

M83 are playing Trinity in Bristol on Tuesday 17th January 2012, followed by shows in Manchester (at the refurbished Ritz), Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham and Brighton, before the final gig of the tour at the Shepherds Bush Empire on 16th February.

The Shepherds Bush date has been added after the group's first London show, at Heaven on 1st December, sold out.

We will have tickets for all of the New Year dates when they go on sale at 9AM on Wednesday 28th September priced £15 for Shepherds Bush and £12.50 for all other venues.

As the December sell-out suggests, tickets will be in high demand.