On your marks, Presets, go!
The Presets
Beams
(Modular/Fontana)
The latest wave of Australian imports beckons, and The Presets long to knock you about the head with their keyboards. Crikey!
Beams isn’t ready to be manifesto yet, because it hangs onto more than enough tired-and-true approximations of ’80s synth pop to make a difference. But there are times The Presets really don’t give a shit about retrolectric dancefloor lite, thrusting its pelvis and groping with abandon. “Are You The One,” “Down Down Down,” and the nasty “Worms” spray shrapnel in a quest to lay something (anything?!). “Girl And The Sea” is a bland foray into early Talk Talk and “Black Underground” makes you believe that really anyone can program a benign, late new wave puddle. But when the keyboard stands start vibrating madly is the controlled chaos conjured on “I Go Hard, I Go Home,” where the bionic duo pump a little sweat and blood.
— Kevin Keegan
Appearing: April 21st at Metro, opening for Ladytron.
