New ravers

(Morning Star, Friday 19 January 2007)

ALBUM: The Klaxons - Myths of the Near Future
(Polydor)

WHETHER or not the so-called nu-rave scene is an NME construct is, in actuality, a bit like the argument on whether or not there is racism in the s'leb Big Brother house - completely irrelevant now. What we are left to deal with is the international fallout. Or, in nu-rave's case, the Klaxons.

So, do the flag-wavers for 1992 stand proud without the crutch of a "scene" to hold them up? Truthfully, they really do.

The dreamy mid-80s pop of single Golden Skans sits surprisingly well beside the frankly terrifying Atlantis to Interzone, which is a bit like being beaten round the head by MDMA-abusing youths with glowsticks. But, you know, in a good way.

The high point, somewhat sadly, comes in the form of a cover. The version here of Planet Perfecto's It's Not Over Yet is, frankly, astonishing, imbued, as it is, with all the longing and loss of the original. With added rave beats.

Although the debate will continue to rage across the globe, let us put it to rest now - The Klaxons have made an astoundingly good debut.