Novelties

They’re Coming ... Can’t You Hear Them?

If their 2007 Mercury Award-winning debut album, Myths of the Near Future, is any indicator, then the audience at B1 Maximum on October 11th will be in for an aural treat. Once described as “luminescent terrorists,” the London-based band takes its name from the “klaxon,” a device that generates a startling hornor siren-like sound. The word is derived from the Ancient Greek for “to shriek,” making it a fitting moniker for this group, which combines heavy indie guitar, fast beats, and synthetic wails with the sometimes melodic, sometimes frantic vocals of Jamie Reynolds.

With the anger and sarcasm of punk and the energy of rave, the Klaxons have a sound that creeps under your skin, where it throbs and refuses to let you sit still. This diverse mix has left people struggling to pigeon-hole them into a particular genre of music. Many have categorized the band as the pioneers of Nu Rave. But others say, “Why bother with labels? Just enjoy the music.”

Following the success of several singles, the group released its debut album, which produced a number of classic indie recordings, including the anthemic “Golden Skans” and the frenetic “Magick.” This latter track, which flits from haunting lines and eerie melodies about bitter snow to a furious chorus, has an abrupt ending that heralds the band’s hugely popular cover of “It’s Not Over Yet.” Other tracks that shouldn’t be missed include “Totem on the Timeline,” a humorous diatribe against the joys of gambling, and “Forgotten Works,” a relentless round.

For something a bit different, for a sound that is less enjoyable than addictive, listen to Myths of the Near Future, or — better yet — get yourself a ticket to the Russian Alternative Awards at B1 Maximum.