OK, so when the first Rave-wave hit sometime around the early 90’s I was too busy worshipping Luke Perry on Beverly Hills 90210 to notice the deliriously bright Dr. Seuss-esque creatures invading the dance floors. I had a brief love affair with the glow-stick during the second coming of rave in 1999 but since my head was also full of Marilyn Manson lyrics, I felt I was taking Manson’s juxtaposing tendencies a little too far (a metal-head who is also into rave? Puh-leese). It is only now, after New Rock, after New New-Wave and after Electroclash that I have been fully able to appreciate the neon glow of the rave resurrection – Nu-Rave.

What distinguishes Nu-Rave from old Rave? For starters, many Nu-Rave bands are old school Electroclash alumni repackaged in a technicolour dream coat. The Presets and Cut Copy are now Nu-Rave. Hot Chip and New Young Pony Club, both hailing from the UK are also Nu-Rave as is Cansai De Ser Sexy (CSS) from Brazil. Their music is a fusion of dance and rock though it’s not to be confused with dance rock, Nu-Rave’s more commercial and embarrassing cousin. The attitude is sassy, the aesthetic is pure punk DIY - New York style. But the most recognizable element of Nu-Rave is the fashion. Gone are the fluffy toys and semi-ironic pacifiers. Those giant go-go boots worn by girls during a 24-hour party are (thankfully) in storage. There is not an angel wing or a pair of alien antennae in site. Instead, the hipster wardrobe of blazer, vintage tee, skinny jeans and chucks (guys) and vintage dress, opaques, oversized cardigans and chucks (girls) has transmogrified from a palette of muted blacks and greys to a feast of rainbow delight. Fluoro cardigans and hoodies for both sexes with bold patterns not only provide a caffeine hit for the eyes but also help you locate missing friends in a deluge of noir-loving Emo’s whose monochrome colour scheme blends them into their surroundings.

 Graphic tees with catchy slogans like “Get Yr Freak On Giles Deacon” courtesy of the Andy Warhol of Nu-Rave, Henry Holland have made the vintage band tee obsolete. Girls can embrace their neon side with a myriad selection of coloured tights and funky threads courtesy of Australia’s own Cassette Society. The Ksubi gang can always be counted on to provide the perfect Nu-Rave uniform as can Schwipe and UK menswear label, Cassette Playa (who also kits out M.I.A in her multicoloured outfits). While Nu-Rave may be a breath of fresh air from the doom, gloom and eyeliner associated with Emo culture, it’s longevity remains to be seen. Through the Internet we are instantly updated on any new happenings, be it within music or fashion, which means the trend turnover, is now higher then ever. Who knows, by the time you read this, a new fad may have the world’s hipster elite enthralled. Sure Nu-Rave may be a little pretentious, it may indulge in too much borrowed cool and general wankery, but I guess the time is now to embrace the razzle dazzle of the colour spectrum and rock out to the coolest dance music you can find before it’s too late.