Apocalypso

The Presets have done the impossible with their second disc — they've bridged the gap between aging Depeche Mode fans, recovering new-wave addicts, and hipsters who actually know how (or aren't afraid) to dance. If you're wondering how this happened, the answer is easy. Much like Ladytron on their last couple of albums, Australia's leading synth/drums duo has learned how to write arena-ready anthems that sound downright MASSIVE on the right sound system. Nowhere is this more apparent than on "My People," a speaker-singeing battle cry of buzz saw melodies and filtered call-and-response choruses. "This Boy's In Love" is a little more subdued but not by much, as it weaves skittering synth lines through twinkling minor keys and the booming, Gahan-caliber vocals of Julian Hamilton. As for some breathing room between all these jams, it's available throughout the black-lit balladry of "If I Know You" and the six surprisingly gorgeous closing minutes of "Anywhere." Listen to that one long enough and you might think these guys have a peak hour chill-out record in them. Here's hoping ...