Django Django (2012)

     django django is a new psychedelic quartet out of Edinburgh, Scotland. They released their debut album in January after three years of hype and waiting. It's an upbeat electronic sound with great harmony, a modern rendition of the Beach Boys, fused with modern minimalism you find in many Scottish indie bands. The band name, I like to think, is supposed to be similar in sound to "jingle jingle," just like they have a song called "wor" about "war." It captures what these guys are about, namely, music. Repetition. Sonic creativity.
     Listen to these guys. I don't know if they have more than a single album in them... but it doesn't really matter. This one's a goodie in itself. Together the thirteen tracks clock in at just under 50 minutes. If you're feeling simultaneously chill and ready to dance (and who doesn't?) give it a spin.
     If you have Spotify you can listen to the whole album at your leisure by selecting one of the tracks here and opening the relevant link. Additionally the three music videos for this album are linked below.
     Lyrics: Go here. Currently only four songs are covered but more are sure to be added over time.

     "Hail bop" has a dreamy feel and talks about the experience of creating art as gloriously surreal. This marks a strong opening to the album.
     "Default" challenges the artistic norm and condemns those who believe they hold the keys, who stop listening to other voices not working in the same vein. This is their strongest music/video combo.
     "Firewater" is extremely catchy and I love the natural imagery in tandem with this almost hallucinogenic experience of alcoholic camaraderie. I wish I could catch all the lyrics. The line "look what we've become" seems somewhat bittersweet. A subtle critique of a civilization drummed up on booze? It fits the bill, considering where they're from.
     "Waveforms" No idea what it's about (music, maybe?) but, sound-wise, a strong track. 
    "Zumm Zumm" verges on techno and doesn't really do it for me. Echoes, pops, and the ever-present koochie keyboarded and snared beat. Bleh.
     "Hand of man" is the first acoustic track of the album. Short, simple, a song of friendship and mutual respect.
     "Love's dart" returns to the standard electronic sound but now joined to a strong acoustic element.
     "Wor" i.e. war. The western twang of the hook, the thrilling drum beats, the fast-moving and war-like drive to this song -- it works.
     "Storm" Love it. It's a about someone who can't decide what she wants or how she wants it.
     "Life's a beach" I love the slowly percolating complexity this track achieves -- and then suddenly releases as if it were nothing.
     "Skies over Cairo" now adds an Arabic flavor to what is by now a signature sound. Along with "introduction" it's the only track unmarred by words.
     "Silver rays" The final track closes the album with a smooth dance and pronounces an intimate goodbye to fans.