The Presets’ techy electro knows how to pack a bite that fills you up

like a meal. The Sydney, Australia–based duo creates a blitzing

rave-up from the blackened depths, with enough neon flare to get all

those nu-rave/blog-house/club-kid types chewing on pacifiers and candy

necklaces as if the ’90s never existed. On their second and latest

full-length, Apocalypso, the group pushes their dark, damaged

sequences and bpm’s a bit harder than in their 2005 debut, Beams—it’s

essentially “I Go Hard, I Go Home” times 10—a far cry from the tender,

pixilated synth-pop sound they once shared with label-mates Cut Copy

and which dominated Beams. Those familiar with the tech-house of Guns

‘n’ Bombs, or even Basement Jaxx’s Rooty album, won’t hear any

breaking ground here, but that doesn’t mean the dance floor underneath

a crowd absolutely losing their shit is invulnerable to some very

serious damage. Brace yourselves. With Walter Meego and DJs Fucking in

the Streets & Figo. Nectar Lounge, 412 N. 36th St., 632-2020. 9 p.m.

$10 adv. TRAVIS RITTER

Fri., May 23, 9 p.m., 2008