This week signals the return of reckless new-ravers Klaxons, with their much anticipated second studio album, 'Surfing the Void'. With Reynolds and Co's first attempt being rejected by record label Polydor for being '...too experimental', the final product makes for an interesting listen. Also, although not released this week, I take a look at the critically acclaimed Dawn Kinnard's latest single 'Favourite Ghost', set to be released from her second album 'Wrong Side of the Dream', (due out on September 13th this year).
To as not break tradition; without further ado...
To as not break tradition; without further ado...
Klaxons - Surfing the Void:
Klaxons have and always will be a band who thrive on noise; noise which is best played ridiculously loud and, (preferably), whilst intoxicated. The lyrics hardly ever make sense, with the majority of their tracks being pure bedlam. However, gone are the days of brandishing glow sticks at every opportunity, dodgy slogan tee's and day-glow leg warmers. Along with their fans, Klaxons have matured somewhat with opening track 'Echoes' paying homage to the fact.
Although strangely reminiscent of fellow electro rockers Delphic's 'Doubt', 'Echoes' blows Delphic out of the water, making it crystal clear that Klaxons are the deserving parents of a genre which is coming back with force. Respective of their roots, 'Echoes' has an experimental edge running throughout whilst remaining to be a tune that sticks firmly in your head, much like previous single 'Golden Skans' but without the 'oohing' and 'aaahing' it was so fondly renowned for.
Like all albums, 'Surfing the Void' has it's average moments, with one unfortunately being the title track. Although lively and drawing attention to the excitable concept of letting go, it still remains fairly drab in comparison to other offerings. 'The Same Space', 'Extra Astronomical' and 'Cypherspeed' also fall short when stood next to the remainder of the album.
A track that has been long in the pipeline for the band is 'Valley of the Calm Trees', one of which has been subject to various name changes since Reynolds began working his magic on the song back in 2008. The hard work has clearly paid off, with the track being what I would consider to be the strongest on the album. Despite calm being the one word I wouldn't associate with Klaxons, the overall more relaxed feel to the track works well with Reynold's vocals, with the odd eerie undertones throughout still managing to respect their individuality.
Both 'Flashover' and 'Future Memories' towards the end of the album are also front runners for best track, with 'Flashover' being Klaxons all over; in the sense that it wouldn't have been out of place on previous album 'Myths of the Near Future'. 'Future Memories' on the other hand is one of interest to those who pay attention to more than just the mesmerizing melodies the Klaxons do so well. With lyrics such as 'The future is in our memories, the past is just a guess.', it bends our minds as well as our ears.
Overall, 'Surfing the Void' is a successful second album and rather than being an attempt to boost their existing reputation as most bands second albums tend to be, Klaxons have appealed to both their loyal fans and new. A charming mix between their 'old' style and with hints of a more refined and mature edge, it's well worth more than a listen.
Here is track 'Echoes', which has already been gracing the airwaves since it's digital release on the 15th August.
Although strangely reminiscent of fellow electro rockers Delphic's 'Doubt', 'Echoes' blows Delphic out of the water, making it crystal clear that Klaxons are the deserving parents of a genre which is coming back with force. Respective of their roots, 'Echoes' has an experimental edge running throughout whilst remaining to be a tune that sticks firmly in your head, much like previous single 'Golden Skans' but without the 'oohing' and 'aaahing' it was so fondly renowned for.
Like all albums, 'Surfing the Void' has it's average moments, with one unfortunately being the title track. Although lively and drawing attention to the excitable concept of letting go, it still remains fairly drab in comparison to other offerings. 'The Same Space', 'Extra Astronomical' and 'Cypherspeed' also fall short when stood next to the remainder of the album.
A track that has been long in the pipeline for the band is 'Valley of the Calm Trees', one of which has been subject to various name changes since Reynolds began working his magic on the song back in 2008. The hard work has clearly paid off, with the track being what I would consider to be the strongest on the album. Despite calm being the one word I wouldn't associate with Klaxons, the overall more relaxed feel to the track works well with Reynold's vocals, with the odd eerie undertones throughout still managing to respect their individuality.
Both 'Flashover' and 'Future Memories' towards the end of the album are also front runners for best track, with 'Flashover' being Klaxons all over; in the sense that it wouldn't have been out of place on previous album 'Myths of the Near Future'. 'Future Memories' on the other hand is one of interest to those who pay attention to more than just the mesmerizing melodies the Klaxons do so well. With lyrics such as 'The future is in our memories, the past is just a guess.', it bends our minds as well as our ears.
Overall, 'Surfing the Void' is a successful second album and rather than being an attempt to boost their existing reputation as most bands second albums tend to be, Klaxons have appealed to both their loyal fans and new. A charming mix between their 'old' style and with hints of a more refined and mature edge, it's well worth more than a listen.
Here is track 'Echoes', which has already been gracing the airwaves since it's digital release on the 15th August.
Dawn Kinnard - Favourite Ghost:
To shine as a female singer songwriter is hardly a walk in the park this year, with feisty Florence Welch and reputable Laura Marling seeming to outshine them all. However, since first album ‘The Courtesy Call’, Dawn Kinnard has began to climb her way to the top, attracting critical acclaim and appearing on countless festival bills such as Wireless and Hard Rock Calling.
Being a fan of artists like Welch and Marling, I had my expectations; perhaps rather small minded of me, but there nonetheless. However, single ‘Favourite Ghost’ excelled them, making for a pleasant surprise. Kinnard’s voice oozes with potential energy which explodes at every chorus, working to abandon the risk of sounding ‘samey’. Each sudden change in tempo adds to the overall charm of the track, its intrigue reflecting Kinnard’s character perfectly as she lures you to ‘...dance all around’.
As a growing artist, Kinnard has ridiculous amounts of potential, and although perhaps not a track that fully lives up to this, it’s a pleasant homage to both her inspirations and Kinnard herself. Uplifting yet magnificently simple, it’s well worth a listen.
Although there is no video yet on YouTube, check out www.dawnkinnard.com and www.myspace.com/dawnkinnard for more info.
Being a fan of artists like Welch and Marling, I had my expectations; perhaps rather small minded of me, but there nonetheless. However, single ‘Favourite Ghost’ excelled them, making for a pleasant surprise. Kinnard’s voice oozes with potential energy which explodes at every chorus, working to abandon the risk of sounding ‘samey’. Each sudden change in tempo adds to the overall charm of the track, its intrigue reflecting Kinnard’s character perfectly as she lures you to ‘...dance all around’.
As a growing artist, Kinnard has ridiculous amounts of potential, and although perhaps not a track that fully lives up to this, it’s a pleasant homage to both her inspirations and Kinnard herself. Uplifting yet magnificently simple, it’s well worth a listen.
Although there is no video yet on YouTube, check out www.dawnkinnard.com and www.myspace.com/dawnkinnard for more info.
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