Review: Apocalypso.

Hailing from beautiful Sydney, Australia, The Presets consist of Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes, a daring duo of electronic maestros who are more than willing (and able) to shake their groove sticks and get participating asses out on that dance floor to do their bidding. If you like your dance music with a bit of a darker flair and in possession of both outspoken ferocity and an impish sense of humor, then by all means include The Presets' 2008 sophomore album Apocalypso in your collection.

Allow me to proselytize.

The Presets first came on the scene in 2003, after classically-trained university chums Hamilton and Moyes grew tired of playing earnest instrumental compositions in their previous band, Prop. According to Moyes in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, "We kind of just went, 'Fuck this shit, let's do some good stuff about life and partying and drugs and girls.'"

And how.

After releasing two EPs, 2003's Blow Up and its 2004 follow-up The Girl and the Sea, The Presets saw fit to unleash upon the world 2005's Beams. It was immediately apparent to the record-buying public that this duo was a force to be reckoned with. But don't take my word for it. Just listen to the record itself - it doesn't (and please, pardon my French) fuck around; it really doesn't.

Take Apocalypto's opening track, "Kicking and Screaming." (Please. Ha ha, I've always wanted to say that. Ahem.) It really sets things off in the right direction, what with its multi-layered assault of crunchy drumbeats and a hard, focused trance-like melody that basically orders you to dance your ass off whilst Hamilton intones:

Never can believe how much fun we're having

Can't believe how much fun we're having

Never can believe how much fun we're having.

And then from there it's just gem after gem, as we slide merrily along into the tribalistic anthem "My People" and the flexed-muscle magic of "A New Sky." There's genuine emotion and lovely lyrics in the poignant "This Boy's In Love," a brilliant and fast-paced love song that showcases a clever and touching lyricism. And we're talking about the first four tracks on the album! Seriously, tune for tune Apocalypto does not disappoint. Designed for optimum listenability, it's a roller coaster of an aural feast. Go and get it now; you will thank me later.

Like I stated previously, don't take my word for it. Have a listen and a look-see for yourself. From the aforementioned album, here is Julian Hamilton and Kim Moyes in the video for "My People." Enjoy!