Django Django’s 2012 self-titled debut paired retro 60s psych pop with contemporary electronic touches in unexpected, effective ways. Those two influences meet again on the Scottish band’s sophomore album, but this time they’re not blended quite as smoothly, which makes for an uneven listen. It’s understandable that the group wants to explore the limits of their opposing tendencies, but in the process they’ve lost some of what got them so much attention early in their career.
Their lush harmonies are richer than ever, and their songwriting more confident than before, revealing the positive impact heavy touring’s had on their chops. Even when they get a bit experimental, it’s still clear the songs were designed for crowd-pleasing performances. But too many are overly reverential takes on flower-power sounds, or veer in the other direction of by-the-numbers indie laptop pop.
The album is executed slickly enough that this lack of cohesion isn’t a huge problem. The goofy lyrics, though, owe too much to the hippy-dippy era.
Top track: High Moon
