Words: Steve Knapp
Django Django’s Born Under Saturn is a return to everything that gained them notoriety in the first place. It’s a return of that quirky combination of Devo, Beach Boys and world beats. Their harmonies are tighter and more thoroughly thought out this time with the hook heavy “Shake & Tremble” proving this in full. You’ll also find a heightened presence of synths and keys rather than acoustic guitar this go around, helping to push the Django Django aesthetic into unknown territory, one that is much, much more lush. “Pause Repeat” is a standout in this regard. It’s nothing but a Django Django song, but it’s structures and melodies touch into the realm of Graceland and Joe Jackson.
The only band you could say they took too heavy of an influence from is themselves. The songs are brilliant but at the same time it can feel as though they simply dipped into their eponymous debut album with the funds to layer in as many sounds as they please, like adding a rich frosting to an already delicious cake.
But with such a limited release history that might be what fans were looking for, an expansion on what they only recently discovered. Their sound and songwriting has evolved just enough to let us know they’re growing as a band without letting too many newcomers fall by the wayside.
While Born Under Saturn comes across as more of a half step rather than a full leap to the band’s next chapter, it is still brilliant in a way entirely unique to the band. Their offerings are tighter and more filled out than ever before and will more than sate listeners’ appetites. This album is absolutely worth your time and money and will get you thinking to the future and excited for whatever is coming next.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/185533328″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]
0 Comments