The Klaxons: Mercury Winners? Is It A "Myth"?

I have mentioned the Nationwide Mercury Prize a few times in posts, but haven't really explained it. Basically, its an award show that highlights the best British and Irish albums of the past year. The albums nominated are voted on by a board of music executives from across the pond and usually don't get much play in the States (sad, but true).

Klaxons won this year's prize for their 1st album, Myths of the Near Future. The album beat out the likes of Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys (last year's winner), and the New Young Pony Club. Now I would never call my self a journalist or a music critic, I just happen to like writing about music I feel others should pay attention to (or at least give a listen). I don't have a literary degree or have ever been in a band, but I still like to voice my opinion. I just wonder how the "expert" voters came about choosing the Klaxons' album over the list of other nominees. Don't get me wrong, songs like "Golden Skans" and "Gravity's Rainbow" have been in heavy rotation on my i-pod since I heard them. I can definitely appreciate that the band is leading the way in the creation of the "new rave" genre.

The fact of the matter is that Myths of the Near Future is an uneven album, as I mentioned in an earlier post. I may have even been a bit harsh in my initial review, the album was probably a 3 after few more listens. But I have a hard time believing its the best Brit or Irish album of 2007. Especially in comparison to Back to Black and Favourite Worst Nightmare. I am sure Ms. Winehouse will get her due and the Arctic Monkeys got their fair share of praise last year, I just think Klaxons should be rewarded in the "Future", when they create a more focused record.

Klaxons - Golden Skans


Klaxons - Gravity's Rainbow


Bonus: Amy Winehouse - Love Is A Losing Game @ Mercury Prize

The Klaxons: 'Myth'ilogical Ravers

The Klaxons Myths of the Near Future - 2.5/5 Narks

Another Brit import entered Stateside airwaves in late 2006 and early 2007, ushering in a new form of music, "new rave". The Klaxons have managed to infuse elements of electronica, disco, and punk with tales of fantasy and the supernatural on their 1st album, "Myths of the Near Future" (released in January '07 in the U.S.). The album was highly revered in their homeland, entering the UK charts at #2, and is building steam indie circles abroad. Their success was sure to only continue with a schedule tour of the U.S., but has reportedly derailed due to problems obtaining visas.

The first single I heard, the disco anthem "Golden Skans", and all of the hype made me very intrigued for the rest of the album. "Myths of the Near Future" has some stand out tracks that feature heavy bass lines ("Gravity's Rainbow", "As Above So Below") mixed with catchy futuristic hooks ("Golden Skans") and creepy love stories ("Isle of Her").

Unfortunately, the rest of the album tries to cover too much ground at one time. "Four Horsemen of 2012" awkwardly sets the stage for a freaky apocalypse, while "Atlantis to Interzone" tries to mash-up techno with surf rock unsuccessfully. It sounds like an emergency system programmed by a raver being backed by a cult-choir.

Either way, the Klaxons are very much worth checking out. When they are inspired and focused, they are stellar. When they have a barrage ideas, they leave songs that sound like a garbage truck full of instruments. Hopefully, more experience will make the The Klaxons more than 'Myths'.

The Klaxons - Golden Skans