THE PRESETS
Apocalypso
(MODULAR) A+

Much like their label mates Cut Copy, Australian electro-whiz-kids The Presets (Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes) have outshone the brilliance of their debut long player “Beams,” with this, “Apocalypso”; the bands long awaited sophomore album. Hamilton and Moyes waste no time in setting the mood of the record, a somewhat theatrical affair, from the beginning; “Apocalypso” introduces itself to your ears with the aptly titled “Kicking & Screaming,” complete with a filthy bassline and terrifyingly grand chorus. By now you’ve all heard first single “My People,” which has already become quite the dance classic a mere few months after its initial release. Complete with a fierce chorus and glitteringly-dark middle-8, it’s no wonder people are succumbing to its statuesque nature.

“A New Sky” and “Talk Like That” are the closest “Apocalypso” get to referencing “Beams,” with their endearingly bizarre structure and dramatic synths; “A New Sky” peers through with its quirky introduction as an off-center bassline kicks in before ripping itself into a classy dancefloor romp, and “Talk Like That” is the nearest you’re going to get should you be looking for an “Are You The One Part 2.” But then that killer chorus chops in, and it’s a whole new number… it’s a certifiably bonkers joint which, come chorus time, throws you off-guard with its harmonious intensity. Keep an ear out for that spooky Transylvanian-style organ; complete genius.  Next single “This Boy’s In Love” is a hypnotic and powerful track which, as it builds, warms your body with its beauty; a straight-out luscious pop song which rolls all the best moments of The Human League and Duran Duran into a ball of musical ecstasy. One of the best singles to come from an Australian artist, period.

“Yippiyo-Ay” drives the guys into Grandmaster Flash territory, albeit whilst sounding a little bit like Wham’s “Wham Rap” from aeons ago. Top stuff.  The excitement of electronic doom continues with “Eucalyptus,” fusing IDM style verses with an A-HA-like chorus. Then there’s the wonderful “If I Know You,” a truly Pet Shop Boys-esque lament and the most heartbreaking of moments in The Presets body of work. It’s – quite geniusly - followed by “Together,” which can only be described as a bouncy and energetic techno-stomper (combined with small elements of Vitalic’s “La Rock 01,”) and is a psychotically satisfying ride that exercises itself into “Aeons,” a lovely, solely instrumental number which soothes the Apocalyptic savage beast within the record just in time to makes the trance-tastic last track “Anywhere” that much sweeter come closing time.

The dramatics of “Apocalyspo” are a fine example as to why The Presets are still one of the most refreshing local-grown acts, and a true testament to their growth as artists. This record is probably what a soundtrack to the Rocky Horror Picture Show would sound like were it a movie made in 2008 with a predominantly high-paced electro, gorgeously melodic but somewhat sinister score.

And that is a very, very good thing.

MY REVIEW ON RóISíN MURPHY LIVE IN CONCERT IS COMING TOMORROW. IT’S GOING TO BE A LONG ONE; YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED. APOLOGIES ONCE AGAIN FOR MY INTERNET ABSENCE, I HAVEN’T REALLY BEEN AROUND MUCH FOR THE LAST WEEK AND A HALF AND ONLY JUST GOT AROUND TO FINISHING UP WITH MEGA-CATCH-UP TIME ON EVERYONE’S BLOG’S ABOUT AN HOUR AGO…