Django Django are certainly riding on a huge wave of momentum.
Hotly tipped by critics since their formation back in 2009, this Scottish-formed, London-based art house rock quartet have spent the last couple of years honing their craft and perfecting their sound, which ultimately concluded with the release of their stellar self titled début album back in January. Met with universal acclaim, this record was massively praised for its refreshing and unique psychedelic sound and art rock influences. This helped propel the record into the top 40 of the album charts. However, the hallmark of a truly great band is if they can replicate their awesome sounds from the studio live to an eager and expectant crowd. Going by their performance at The Doghouse in Dundee, they passed this test with flying colours.
Django Django were quick to entertain the Doghouse
Supported by local indie rockers Man without Machines and London’s incredible electro act NZCA/Lines, Django Django soon emerged in matching uniforms and drove straight into playing some of their best tracks taken from their début album in this hour-long set. After a long and atmospheric intro, they immediately burst into their track Hail Bop. This was an excellent opener, which defiantly set the mood for the rest of the night. It was an instant crowd mover, sounding even better live than it does on the record. After that incredible opening, they moved straight into their next number, Default, This was another great and thumping track, which went down well with the hyped up Dundee crowd.
It’s very difficult to pigeon-hole Django Django’s unique sound. Django Django have often been compared to the excellent The Beta Band, which is not surprising since drummer and producer David Maclean is the brother of The Beta Band member John Maclean. However, there are also appreciations towards the art rock sound of early Franz Ferdinand music, as well as the indie pop and experimental sounds of bands such as Vampire Weekend and Yeasayer.
Tambourines make for great live performances
The way in which the band recreates some of the incredible sounds found on their album is fascinating to watch. They were able to recreate the air raid sirens and various other noises with ease using unique and creative instruments, such as coconut shells and tambourines three times the size of synth operator Tommy Grace’s head.
Some of the highlights of the night included the incredible Skies over Cario, which was a fantastic electronic Egyptian rave and the amazing Love’s Dart. To close the set they performed the excellent WOR, a quick tempo rock anthem. Not a single person in the crowd was immobile. People moshing in the crowd, while a few people tried invade the stage before being quickly removed by security. This was the perfect way to end the evening.
Django Django are a very special band. They have a truly refreshing and unique sound, which sets them apart from any other band out there at the moment. They are also one of the best live acts that I have seen in a long time. If you get the chance to see them live, don’t pass it up. You won’t be disappointed.
5 out of 5
Images taken from http://www.facebook.com/dundeedoghouse
