Klaxons: Architects of the New Rave Movement

Klaxons are a British band who became the defining act of the mid-2000s "new rave" scene. Hailing from London, their 2007 debut album Myths of the Near Future won the prestigious Mercury Prize, cementing their place in UK alternative music history.

Early career

Formed in London in 2005, the original trio of Jamie Reynolds, James Righton, and Simon Taylor-Davis united over a shared interest in fusing punk energy with rave culture. Their early self-released singles, like Gravity's Rainbow, quickly garnered attention for their chaotic live shows and a sound that referenced rave, sci-fi literature, and indie rock.

Breakthrough

The band's breakthrough arrived in 2007 with their debut album, Myths of the Near Future, released on the Polydor label. The album entered the UK Albums Chart at number two and its success, driven by infectious singles, led to a surprise win of the Mercury Prize that same year, defeating favorite Amy Winehouse.

Key tracks

Golden Skans - This synth-driven anthem became the band's signature hit, perfectly encapsulating their accessible yet quirky take on dance-punk.

Magick - A frantic, punk-infused track that served as an early manifesto for the "new rave" sound they championed.

It's Not Over Yet - Their cover of Grace's 1995 trance hit recontextualized a rave classic for the guitar band format, becoming a UK top 20 single.

Atlantis to Interzone - This explosive early single set the template with its yelped vocals, driving bassline, and cult lyrical references.

Echoes - A standout from their second album, showcasing a shift towards a more polished, synth-pop oriented sound.

Following their meteoric rise, Klaxons took three years to craft a follow-up, facing well-documented difficulties in the studio. The resulting album, 2010's Surfing the Void, presented a heavier, more guitar-centric direction and achieved a UK top ten position. Their final studio album, 2014's Love Frequency, saw them collaborate with producers like James Murphy and Tom Rowlands, further exploring electronic pop structures before the band entered an extended hiatus.

Fans of Klaxons' energetic blend of indie rock and dance might also enjoy the work of CSS, who share a similar punk-disco crossover ethos. The dance-punk drive of The Rapture provides a clear foundational influence. For the more pop-oriented side of their sound, listeners can explore Friendly Fires. The eclectic electronic rock of The Chemical Brothers also shares common ground with Klaxons' larger-scale productions.

The music of Klaxons remains a staple on alternative rock and indie electronic radio stations, where their defining hits continue to energize playlists. Their catalog is regularly featured across online radio streams dedicated to post-punk revival and alternative dance music, keeping the "new rave" spirit alive for new listeners.

You can discover the dynamic sound of Klaxons by tuning into the radio stations available on onairium.com, where their influential tracks are frequently broadcast.