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10:53 GMT, Wednesday, 27 August 2008 11:53 UK

Klaxons planning 'melodic' album

by Kev Geoghegan
Radio 1 music reporter

James Ford

The Klaxons' producer says the band will be sticking to the "melodic" sound which won them the Mercury Prize but are taking it in a different direction.

The band beat off competition from the likes of Amy Winehouse and Dizzee Rascal to win the award in 2007 for their debut album, Myths Of The Near Future.

At the event, singer Jamie Reynolds told the BBC that they deserved to beat Winehouse because she made a "retro record and we've made the most forward-thinking record".


"It's not in my power to talk them out of dressing up, they're pretty into it"

James Ford


Klaxons

James Ford, who records and performs live as Simian Mobile Disco, is set to work with Klaxons on the new record.

He told Newsbeat: "I think they're still trying to push forward so I don't think it's going to sound too much like the last record."

The Mercury judging panel described the album as an "ecstatic musical adventure".

Ford said: "They're trying to keep it melodic and vocal because that's one of their great strong points.

"It's going to be really exciting."

But he added that he had no control over the band's look which, last year, comprised of a lot of gold, leather and chainmail.

He said: "It's not in my power to talk them out of dressing up, they're pretty into it and I'm sure they're gonna have some new outlandish image for the next set of releases."

Shadow Puppets

Ford is involved in another Mercury prize-nominated album this year, having produced The Last Shadow Puppets' self-titled debut.

But he could miss the ceremony on 9 September because of his working commitments with Klaxons.

He said: "I'd love to go but the timing is not ideal."

The Shadow Puppets played the Reading and Leeds Festivals this weekend with Ford on drums. James Ford

He is playing on the band's UK tour and said: "It's been great, the crowds have been singing along.

"Alex Turner is quite a name in his own right and people look out for his stuff so there has been a lot of support."

Ford also revealed his own band, SMD, are working on getting an album out towards the end of the year.

He said: "We've already done a track with Gruff Rhys from the Super Furry Animals, which is great, and one with Beth Ditto from The Gossip.

"It's looking good so far."

A lot of work for a man who is also hoping to get married in September. Apparently his mates, The Mystery Jets, could be repaying some favours by playing at the wedding.




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Nationwide Mercury Prize
The Last Shadow Puppets
Klaxons
Simian Mobile Disco


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