Myths of the Near Future (album)

Myths of the Near Future
A collage of buildings, body parts, graphics and mountains
Studio album by
Released29 January 2007
Recorded2006
Studio
Genre
Length53:46
LabelPolydor
ProducerJames Ford
Klaxons chronology
Xan Valleys
(2006)
Myths of the Near Future
(2007)
Surfing the Void
(2010)
Singles from Myths of the Near Future
  1. "Magick"
    Released: 30 October 2006
  2. "Golden Skans"
    Released: 22 January 2007
  3. "Gravity's Rainbow"
    Released: 9 April 2007
  4. "It's Not Over Yet"
    Released: 25 June 2007
  5. "As Above, So Below"
    Released: 12 November 2007

Myths of the Near Future is the debut album by English rock band Klaxons. It was released on 29 January 2007 through Polydor Records. Following their debut single, the band coined the term "new rave" to refer to their sound; not long after their second single, they signed to Polydor Records. They recorded their debut album with James Ford of Simian Mobile Disco at The Premises and Parkgate Studios. Myths of the Near Future, which takes its title from a poem, is a science-fiction concept album about the future; some of the song's titles and lyrics are literary references to the works of J. G. Ballard, William S. Burroughs and Thomas Pynchon. To critics, its sound recalled the indie dance-punk revival led by bands such as Bloc Party and Franz Ferdinand.

"Magick" was released as the lead single from Myths of the Near Future in October 2006, followed by "Golden Skans" in January 2007. The album's released was promoted with two headlining tours of the United Kingdom bookending a North American trek in April 2007. That same month, "Gravity's Rainbow" was released as the album's third single; "It's Not Over Yet" followed in June 2007. Various festival appearances were made, leading to a West Coast tour of the United States. Bassist Jamie Reynolds broke his ankle, which saw the cancellation of some shows, and Joe Daniel of the Violets covering for him while he sang from a wheelchair. "As Above, So Below" was released as the album's fifth and final single in November 2007.

Myths of the Near Future received generally favourable reviews from critics, some of whom praised the musicianship, though others were dismissive of the rave tag. The album reached number two in the UK Albums Chart; it also charted in France, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands. "Magick", "Golden Skans", "Gravity's Rainbow" and "It's Not Over" all charted on the UK Singles Chart, with "Golden Skans" peaking the highest at number seven. Myths of the Near Future was certified platinum in the UK and silver in Ireland, both in 2007, and won the Mercury Prize that same year. "Golden Skans" was certified platinum in the UK in 2021.