The buzz around Django Django is incredible and rightly so. This album could be, and should be, one of the biggest hits of 2012. Everything about them just seems that little bit... different. From the colourful and weird album cover (what is that? An animal of some kind? Beats me!) to their name itself, every little detail is designed to make them stand out.
What really separates them from the clawing masses of British indie bands is the unadulterated infectiousness of their music. Consisting of drums, synths, bass and guitar, you may think that Django Django would be similar to the vast swathes of bands already out their, but once the needle drops and the music begins, it's another case entirely.
Django Django would not be out of place amongst the pysch rock of the late '60's, the Krautrock movement of the late 70's, or the acid house of the early '90's. Yet everything is taken in such light measures and mixed together with care to sound completely fresh.
Opener, 'Introduction' begins with almost ritualistic chants, building up towards some kind of cosmic event, a feeling continued into 'Hail Bop' which loops and pulses with energy ready to burst through lead singer Vincent Neff's vocals.
That energy is unleashed like a supernova exploding with gumdrops and rainbows as soon as the opening beats of 'Default' come in. The jerky melody created by guitars and synths is underwritten by a groove-tastic bassline, and peppered with snare drums and hit hats, the effect being an unshakable need to shake.
'Firewater' is full of laid back, bleached harmonies, which are a veer from the sassy beats of 'Default'. Django Django are scared to veer off the track over the course of this album, and jump from different styles and influences with the speed of a tourist walking barefoot on a hot beach. 'Firewater' is the kind of track that might well have sound tracked Mickey and Malories bloody rampage through the desert.
The tribal feel laid down by 'Hail Bop' returns in 'Waveforms', and as much as the album draws on different influences, this is the most utilised sound. ''Hand Of Man' has a Hot Chip vibe to it, a band who are a definite forerunner to Django Django, and 'Love's Dirt' slows things down a litte.
Alongside 'Default', 'Wor' is my favourite track on the album. The Arabic/Western themed intro, the wailing klaxon, the clap along rhythm and jangly guitars all woven together is just great fun, and one of the best tracks I've heard in a long time.
'Life's A Beach' is my pick of the closing tracks, the bassline is born out of the same California surfer rock oven as The Beach Boys 'Surfin' USA'.
I don't really do ratings or X out of X stars, but I'm going to stick my neck out and say that this could certainly be the best debut album this year, if not one of the year. It's gonna be tough to top this one.
Buy 'Django Django' here, from any online music store or any good music retail shop.
Check out more from Django Django
Facebook Twitter Website
No comments:
Post a Comment