Search - Klaxons :: Xan Valleys Ep

Worth Checking Out For Fans...Hell for Newbies

G. Marlow | 04/05/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"If you're unfamiliar with Klaxons, I wouldn't suggest this as an initial experience. While the good parts of their sound are evident in this early release, the work that Polydor did with them in the studio for their first full album obviously paid off. So if you're new, check out the album 'Myths of the Near Future,' which came out in January. All of the songs are much tighter and more palatable. Barring that, you'd do well to check out the first two tracks on this CD (Gravity's Rainbox and Atlantis to Interzone) or search for videos on YouTube to get a better idea of their current direction.



However, if you're a fan already and, like myself, are wringing your hands and wanting more, you'll find a snippet or two of goodness here to help hold you over until the next album. Unfortunately, the remixes don't bring much to the mix (no pun intended), and you'll probably just find yourself lusting for the more polished sound of Myths. Be that as it may, it's Klaxons - and for that I'm willing to forgive the muddy bass and tiring loops.



All in all, not a great standalone album for the new fan, but the world can always use more Klaxons."