Surfing the Void cover

Surfing the Void

Klaxons · 2010

38 min · 10 tracks · indie rock

A vibrant clash of electronic beats and punk energy infused with cosmic themes and experimental textures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Surfing the Void — The title track encapsulates the album's central theme of exploration and transcendence, blending rhythmic intensity with ethereal soundscapes that define Klaxons' evolution.
  • →
    Extra Astronomical — This track stands out for its fusion of pulsating electronic elements and indie rock sensibilities, illustrating Klaxons' ability to push genre boundaries while maintaining their signature style.
  • →
    Future Memories — Featuring a compelling interplay between reflective lyrics and an infectious melody, this song represents the band's thematic preoccupation with nostalgia and futurism.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases energetic compositions with cosmic themes but lacks consistent depth across all tracks.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a high-energy track that features layered synths and driving percussion, setting a frenetic pace.
  • Several tracks incorporate abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Venusia', which transitions from a steady beat to a more chaotic rhythm.
  • The use of cosmic themes is prevalent in the lyrics and soundscapes, particularly in tracks like 'Surfing the Void' and 'Extra Astronomical'.
  • The final track, 'Cypherspeed', concludes with an extended instrumental outro that gradually fades out, creating a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • steady, consistent energy levels
  • immersive sonic landscapes
  • dynamic emotional journeys
  • mid-tempo reflective moments

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2010, Surfing the Void is Klaxons' sophomore album, following their critically acclaimed debut Myths of the Near Future. This album arrived during a transitional phase for the band as they sought to redefine their sound and distance themselves from the 'new rave' label that characterized their early music.
Stylistic neighbors
The Rapture· LCD Soundsystem· Justice

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Echoes 3:45
  • 2 The Same Space 3:11
  • 3 Surfing the Void 2:30
  • 4 Valley of the Calm Trees 3:16
  • 5 Venusia 4:07
  • 6 Extra Astronomical 3:17
  • 7 Twin Flames 4:19
  • 8 Flashover 5:06
  • 9 Future Memories 3:42
  • 10 Cypherspeed 5:08

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata