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THE REVIEW
The Klaxons were the ultimate British new sensation of the just-concluded 2007.
Hailed as the founders of a theoretical (very theoretical, to be honest) new movement, the so-called "new rave," the English band released about a year ago the acclaimed debut "Myths Of The Near Future" on Polydor.
Here, we only saw the highly popular "Golden Skans" (the most blatantly pop piece in the group's entire production) and "It's Not Over Yet", a cover of an old song co-written by Oakenfold, but the band has received various accolades in their homeland, including the Mercury Prize for best album.
Listening to this much-discussed debut, one thing is clear: the revolution that NME and the likes have blared about has not taken place. This hypothetical "new rave" seems more like a typically English indie rock regurgitated and resubmitted in an appealing and original manner. Rather than reclaiming the 90s rave culture, the Klaxons seem to follow the trend of reworking the overly exploited 80s. The crucial point is this: regardless of genres and influences, "Myths..." is a damn good album.
The band, led by Jamie Reynolds and James Righton, definitely shines when they keep the pedal to the metal: in things like "Totem On The Timeline" or "Atlantis To Interzone", the mix of indie rock and electronic bases works brilliantly. However, when the four slow down the pace, the feeling of filler is right around the corner (as in the latest single "As Above, So Below"). The opener "Two Receivers" with its falsettos is all too reassuring, while "Isle Of Her" thankfully dares more. "Magick" confirms the highly positive impression aroused by its previous single release: fresh, carefree, fun, just like "Gravity's Rainbow". The masterpiece of the album remains, however, the final track "Four Horsemen Of 2012"; aggressive, synthetic, and unmelodious; two minutes and seventeen seconds of semi-sonic anarchy.
Great job, this from the Klaxons: it may not be exactly what was expected, but, as mentioned, the quality of the tracks puts (at least partially) into the background the previously created expectations. The new album, expected this year, should approach more unheard prog sounds.
Key tracks: Totem On The Timeline, Magick, Four Horsemen Of 2012
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Summary by Bot
Klaxons' debut album 'Myths Of The Near Future' mixes indie rock with electronic elements under the 'new rave' label. While not revolutionary, it's a strong and original record. Standout tracks like 'Four Horsemen Of 2012' showcase the band's energetic sound. Some slower songs feel like filler, but overall the album is praised for its freshness and quality.Tracklist Lyrics Videos
Klaxons
Klaxons were a British indie/electro trio from London formed in 2005 by Jamie Reynolds, James Righton, and Simon Taylor-Davis. Their debut album Myths of the Near Future won the 2007 Mercury Prize, followed by Surfing the Void (2010) and Love Frequency (2014). The band concluded activities in 2015.05 Reviews
Other reviews
By Ford_Prefect
Damn chic frou-frou production, now these tracks can only be danced by the little guy in the pink Playboy shirt and glasses that cost as much as a year’s pension for my grandma.
Mom, I don’t want to be a new-raver anymore, I’m enrolling in university…
