Klaxons

U.K. scenesters understand that it's easier to come up with a new descriptor for a musical subgenre than it is to actually invent a fresh sound. Hence "new rave," which cleverly combines two tried-and-true handles in a manner that means everything and nothing at exactly the same time. Klaxons members...

By Michael Roberts

April 19, 2007

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U.K. scenesters understand that it's easier to come up with a new descriptor for a musical subgenre than it is to actually invent a fresh sound. Hence "new rave," which cleverly combines two tried-and-true handles in a manner that means everything and nothing at exactly the same time. Klaxons members Simon Taylor, Jamie Reynolds and James Righton have been anointed as the style's standard-bearers, and on Myths of the Near Future, their U.S. bow, they dabble in rock, dance music and intellectualism -- a blend that's more accessible than it seems. "Atlantis to Interzone" features clubby sirens, plenty of beats per minute and lyrics that pretend to poetry, while "Gravity's Rainbow" contrasts its Thomas Pynchon-derived title with group falsettos and a galloping groove. Startlingly innovative? Not to anyone who's paid the slightest attention to British dance rock stretching back to the mid-'80s -- but it's still entertaining, as long as the hype can be kept at arm's length. So rave on, Klaxons, whether there's anything new about you or not.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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