by Allie Wall
October 8, 2012
Django Django’s self-titled debut album is nothing if not original. The band, an indie rock Scottish sensation, has been making waves in the music scene since the January U.K release of their album. With their album now available in the U.S., Django Django is bringing its art-pop, psychedelic, future rock sound to an entirely new audience. The talent and musicality of this foursome is evident in the synth-heavy, drum-riddled feel of the album; add a little guitar, bass and vocals and you’ve got a masterful compilation.
The first track, rightfully titled “Introduction”, is a perfect lead into the eclectic disc. Lead man and producer David MacLean’s drumming intermixed with an electronic loop and ominous background vocals are a fitting start to what lies ahead. The funky “Hail Bop” starts to give listeners a little insight into just how talented these guys are and what they are capable of musically. This song also sets up the chant-like vocals that pop up throughout the rest of the album. Euphonious and hypnotic, the vocals of this quartet are what give Django Django that captivating quality song after song. “Hand of Man” is so adeptly simplistic with the flowing voices of the band mingling so beautifully; producing the closest thing to an indie-folk tune on the album. From the drum-centric “Love’s Dart” to the appropriately titled “Skies Over Cairo”, Django Django presses the envelope stylistically but still manages to arrange an album with a feeling of coherence and purpose.
What makes these guys stand out is that they don’t shy away from the synth-heavy, sci-fi vibe, yet their harmonious vocals and smart lyrics add a certain quality to keep it from getting too far out. Their songs are authentic and full, futuristic yet controlled; all reasons why anything Django Django puts out is bound to be worth checking out.
