Ok, first I have to admit I’ve never seen these guys live. But there is a reason for that - I saw them doing a live track on jtv last year and they were terrible! I love their first album Beams, so I just wrote them off as one of those electronic bands that just doesn’t cut it live.

At least they try, of course. Unlike some electronic bands who shall remain nameless (*cough* *cough* Chemical Brothers) who press play on their pre-recorded track, twist some knobs then raise their hands in victory. “Yay! We spent days preparing this pre-recorded track and now everyone is going off! High five Ed!”

Unlike the Chemical Brothers, who are just two guys as well, The Presets had live drums and vocals. That’s cool. And maybe I shouldn’t have been too hasty. The opportunity arose to see them at the Tivoli, I failed to act and it sold out. Then, a second show was announced, and sold out in less than two days. What do these people know that I don’t?

Now, I’m sitting here listening to the new album, Apocalypso. And, like Beams, it too is brilliant. In fact, it’s at the top of the ARIA album chart at the moment. It was the feature album in Triple J last week (or the week before..?) which no doubt helped sales, but it was interesting to hear Julian and Kim introduce each of the songs before they were played. I think I have a more in depth appreciation for some of the tracks, knowing where they came from or what the guys were going through when they wrote them.

So, now I’m starting to think I should have got me a ticket to the Tiv. Nova, if you’re reading this, see if you can get me a comp?

PS - I saw Pnau a few weeks back. I quite enjoyed the show, but I was off my tits at the time and don’t feel I am equiped to comment in a purely objective manner.

Also, the first Splendour in the Grass line-up announcement is tomorrow on Triple J. Will talk more about this next time. And remind me to get my Dropkick Murphies ticket k thanx…

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