Klaxons, Myths of the Near Future

Artist: The Klaxons
Album: Myths of the Near Future
Rating: 4/5

Myths of the Near Future is surprising mix of electronic and indie style. And by surprising, I mean surprisingly good.

Already many of these songs have hit high on the UK Top 40 including "Magick", "Golden Skans", and "It's Not Over Yet." "Magick" incorporates a creative mixture of vocals and instrumental feeling to produce a poppy sound. While in "It's Not Over Yet" you can hear why the band is not only electronic but can create an indie tune as well.

Although others still have not hit high on the charts, many are still worth listening to. The opening song, "Two Receivers" lets the vocals of the group really shine through their Round in the middle of the song, not to mention the infamous tune that comes with it. But if your more into hearing the true strings and beats of rock, "Totem On The Timeline" and "Gravitys Rainbow" really hit home in that ballpark.

The Klaxons are also known for adding in some very unique electronic bits and pieces. "Isle of Her" uses a sort of Alien Saucer beam sound as part of the melody with an easy beat. In "Atlantis to Interzone", the band uses a pre-recorded track which Jamie Reynolds [Bass] messes with to lead into the song.

The Klaxons are sometimes considered unusual in their different art form, and some songs appear that way. "Forgotten Works" may be considered at a first glance something that can be forgotten. It's initial disco lead and switch may throw some off from their expectations. However, listening through the whole thing can expose much more. "As Above So Below" creates the same sort of effect with a different intro, but leads to greatness.

The one song that has really shown some highlight in this album is "Golden Skans." The catchy background vocals with the bands instrumental capabilities bring in a completely new sound. "Golden Skans" has actually been covered by other similar indie bands such as Kaiser Chefs and Mark Ronson.

Although Myths of the Near Future may not be the future, it shows a very different side to indie music. Many call this new style nu-rave since it combines electronic with todays indie scene. More of this style is showing up seeing its success in various bands, and if nu-rave is the future, I wouldn't mind rockin' out to it.

Mah 3 Songs

The Everly Brothers - Bye Bye Love:
Pretty neat little song. Pretty catchy. At the beginning of the song it sounded like something more modern was going to come out, but then it kinda turned and went south. One thing that is different is that the vocals just sound not brassy or anything like the other stuff I have heard with this stuff. Sounds like something I would typically listen to.


The Youngbloods - Let's Get Together:
This piece actually feels more like a poem than a song, but it still provides a harmonious tune thats an easy listener. The chorus really says it all,
"C'mon people now,
Smile on your brother
Ev'rybody get together
Try and love one another right now"
Great song that provides an uplifting message. Something that is kinda nice to hear every once in a while.


Sly and the Family Stone - I Want To Take You Higher:
Why this song intrigued me was because of its very different sound compared to so many of the other songs I heard on the list. What really made it different was its funk feel. Rather than guitar drums and a bass, it incorporated other instruments like the trumpet, the keyboard, and the harmonica. Kinda interesting how they have various solos between the guitar, harmonica, bass and trumpet. Makes the song kinda longer, but because of its sustaining beat, it all works out. Great vocals as well. However, it does get pretty repetitive. Not much of a vocal song as it is more an instrumental song. It also lacks a real ending to bring down the power. Maybe it was planned that way.