The Presets

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