You can forget all future plans... (Myths Of The Near Future - Klaxons)

Member Name: Blair_Waldorf

Product:	Myths Of The Near Future - Klaxons
Date:	04/10/08 (277 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Original, a well executed combination of dance, pop and alternative

Disadvantages: Lyrics can seem somewhat dumbfounding, a few weak links

What is new rave? A hybrid of punk rock and electro pop? Sounds exciting enough, but is this really the case? Not quite. Ignore all tags and labels, and take Klaxons for what they are, an exhilarating band open to experimenting with their distinctive sound. This album managed to win last years Mercury music prize. As big a Klaxons fan as I am, I thought that was slightly misguided, but then again, I can't say the Mercury music prize holds any credibility in my book, mainly due to the humongous errors made in previous years, but that's just one woman's opinion. Anyway, Klaxons consists of four lads better known as James Righton (vocals, keyboard), Jamie Reynolds (bass, vocals), Simon Taylor Davis (Guitar) and Steffen Halperin (Drums).

With the rise of Britpop, it seemed the charts (the credible ones anyway) only consisted of one thing, Indie boys with guitars. I can admit Arctic Monkeys were a much-needed breath of fresh air, but as time has passed, the clones have appeared in droves. It's the same old thing being rehashed over and over again, I'm rather bored of the likes of The View or Little Man Tate and for me personally, this band came out at the right time. A refreshing new outlook on Indie boys with guitars. I've always been into dance music just as much as I adore my guitar driven melodies but would a mix of the two genres really work? More importantly are glow sticks really back with a vengeance?

I can hardly support the comeback of glow sticks. Blame it on my sever disliking for anything highlighter coloured, or maybe the fact that my eye was on the receiving end of an open glow stick thrown with much force by a scene kid. That may also explain my intense dislike for scene kids, but that's neither here nor there. Moving swiftly on...

This album has a mixture of sounds, and I guess you could say each song has a different take on the dance sound Klaxons have become so well known for. An example of this is the up tempo creation better known as "Gravity's Rainbow". This song consists of high-pitched vocals, mystifying lyrics, an addictive melody and an unmistakable drum beat. As their debut single, it garnered much attention and honestly, it's not difficult to see why, in a chart full of yet more guitar driven Indie pop, it's much more pleasant to experience another take on this somewhat tired genre. This track is an acquired taste, could be described as strange, but it's catchy, you'll be tapping your feet in no time.

With such a strong debut single, how would these boys follow it up? By releasing the song most responsible for the "rave" tag Klaxons have unintentionally acquired. "Atlantis To Interzone" is a delicious mish mash of sirens, killer bass lines and screamy vocals. I challenge anyone to resist pulling out a glowstick and start head banging to this. This is a track not for the faint hearted, it's not easy listening by any means, fast paced, exhilarating and noisy would be just some of the words to describe this exciting affair. Imagine a rave track with substance, this is that. This track wins at being the most likely to make you want to rock out (or should that be rave out?), expect to dance, plenty.

Made in the same vein as "Golden Skans", however "Magick" had less effect on the public, possibly because, unlike "Golden Skans", it seems to be more dance based. It opens with sirens and the tuneful "oooh's" which seems to be the Klaxons trademark. It's slightly mish mashy and with shouty vocals throughout the song but as the song continues, it has some pleasant melodies that might go unnoticed on the first listen. An impressive single.

"Golden Skans" is the song responsible for thrusting this little known band into the limelight. More commercial than their previous offerings, this song seemed to defy the New Rave tag, why? Mainly due to the fact that the trademark sirens, high-pitched vocals and dance elements seemed to be replaced by melodious repetitions of "oooooooh's" and "ahhhhhhh'"'s. Where are the dance elements? Where are the sirens? Do we still require glow sticks? Instead we are greeted with something much more gentle and melodic. This song charted quite high, so commercial it may be, but by no means does this lack any substance.

Fans of the mid nineties dance movement might be pleased (or annoyed) to hear the boys have included a cover of Grace's dance classic "Not Over Yet". This cover is a fresh and modern take on something that's very dated. That distinctive tune is still there; only it's been given the Klaxons makeover. Covers of this calibre usually share tons of similarities but I'm happy to report the resemblance between the two is limited. The sirens are back with a vengeance, but slightly less emphatic.

I would by lying if I said this album is incredible from start to finish, there are some true gems on here, but also some forgettable tunes. "Two Receivers" is an impressive opener with a harmonious drumbeat welcoming you to what's going to a very good album. It's slow and mellow and unlike most albums, doesn't really give you a taste of what's to come. "As Above, So Below" was one of my favourite live tracks before the debut hit the stands, unfortunately the album version seems to be too polished for my liking. It has a rather lively and animated feel, but the raw sounding finish that is absent from this version takes something unique away from what could have been a standout. It's still catchy and a great addition to the track listing, however this version is no longer one of my favourites. "Isle Of Her" was a song that went unnoticed for many of the first couple of listens, though I must admit, this seems to be the grower of the album. It stands out, thanks in large part to the fact that it doesn't seem to share any similarities to the other tracks. It's rather slow and the lyrics take a back seat to the twisted melody and persistent drumbeat. "Forgotten Works" is pleasant to listen to, but unfortunately, as the name would suggest, is rather forgettable. The lyrics leave a lot to be desired and the vocals can seem rather monotonous but take it for what it is, nothing astounding, but pleasing to the ear none the less.

Klaxons have entered dangerous territory with music fans. Rave fans claim there isn't enough dance, Indie fans claim there aren't enough guitars. Pretentious music fans may shun klaxons simply because they're known as "indie hipsters without any substance", but it's important to remember they made this record for themselves, and the result is quite simply one of the best albums of last year. What you won't find on this album are songs about getting arrested on a night out, or the girl of your dreams brutally ripping your heart into two. Klaxons find their inspiration in literature (as if the album title didn't give that away) most of their lyrics won't make sense to the average listener who doesn't count Thomas Pynchon as their favourite author. This just adds to their appeal, as this is not what you would expect in either a dance or alternative track. I know I'd rather take this lot over yet another Blur/Oasis rip off.

I've seen this band in concert several times, and though they aren't the best live band I've seen, they're still very enjoyable to watch. Very energetic to say the least, also it was music to my ears to be informed by Mr. Klaxon - James Righton himself, that glow sticks were to be banned from future Klaxons gigs. Huzzah. Anyway, given half the chance I would definitely see them again.

For a debut this is an impressive collection of tracks. I can only wait with baited breath to see what they come up with next. It's no secret this collective has shown interest in collaborating with none other than Jay-Z on their next outing, so one can only wonder what's in store for the sophomore release.
Don't be fooled by the "rave" tag that now seems to be permanently attached to Klaxons. Sure there are a number of dance elements to be found on this exceptional album, but not nearly as much as you'd expect. This album is a rather eccentric yet creative concoction of pop, electro punk and literature. Regardless of whether or not it's rave, new rave or whatever they want to call it this week, I suggest you pull out your neon coloured Nikes, skinny jeans and glow sticks and rave it up. You know you want to.

Track listing...
1. Two Receivers
2. Atlantis To Interzone
3. Golden Skans
4. Totem On The Timeline
5. As Above So Below
6. Isle Of Her
7. Gravity's Rainbow
8. Forgotten Works
9. Magick
10. It's Not Over Yet
11. Four Horsemen Of 2012

Summary: Debut album from new rave outfit Klaxons.