It’s been three years since the four lads of Django Django released first single, a double A side “Storm”/”Lover’s Dart” but they have finally come out with their self-titled debut release. The four Scottish lads now based in trendy East London, originally met at art school in Edinburgh several years ago. Much has been made of drummer/producer Dave MacLean being the younger brother of John MacLean from the mighty Beta Band, this isn’t just name dropping as “Zumm Zumm” could easily fit in with the Beta’s late 90s output.
Sounding like giddy hippies who have just discovered electronics, in another time Django Django could easily have been a lost cult band from the 70s. Campfire harmonies on the aforementioned “Lover’s Dart” meshes into the dark, clattering “WOR”, a twangy surf guitar line pushing the song forward. The same guitar twang appears on possible future single “Hail Bop” with its handclaps and stuttering drumbeat. Standout single “Default”’s angular sound catches the right side of dance floor friendly post punk.
The only quibble with DD’s sound is that the vocals can blunt the edges of the band’s sound, sounding more like Cosmic Rough Riders instead of the urgent voice of Alex Kapranos and Franz Ferdinand. Minor preference points aside, Django Django have delivered one of the better debuts of 2012.
8/10
The Light Appears 