Django Django
Django Django
w/ Peace, Palma Violets, & Miles Kane
NME Awards Tour 2013
O2 Academy, Brixton
by Joanna Orland
London four-piece Django Django were appropriately chosen as this year’s headliner for the NME Awards Tour. The annual gigs showcase up-and-coming and recently established acts who are relevant and currently enjoying newfound success. Django Django were the perfect choice as this past year has put them on the map with their debut self-titled album receiving endless critical acclaim, leading to a much coveted Mercury Prize nomination, and culminating in this headlining gig at this iconic music venue in Brixton.
The opening acts on an NME Awards Tour are traditionally up-and-coming, with many going on to achieve great success, including Franz Ferdinand, Arctic Monkeys, and Florence and the Machine, just to name a few. This year’s openers left something to be desired and perhaps they will not find as much success as some of the past participants. Peace took the stage with a familiar 90’s sound and were nothing to rave about. Palma Violets were very fun, but technically challenged, best described as a cross between The Ramones, The Clash and The Libertines. Miles Kane was technically skilled, but very boring. He’s certainly rocking a look, but needs to work on his music penning skills. All of this only solidified the fact that Django Django are a high calibre music act leaving others paling in comparison.
When Django Django took to the stage, you could feel the anticipation in the crowd. This was most definitely the band that people came to see. With their matching outfits, slick and artistic visuals, and solid dance tunes, the band had the audience dancing throughout their entire brilliant but brief set. As this was the second time I have seen this band perform live, I feel justified in saying that their music truly shines live, even more so than it does on album. It is certainly a rare case, but Django Django’s music is meant for the public in public, live in the moment. The album is a great listen, but can be worn out if put on a bit too frequently. In stark contrast, I could go to one of their gigs every night of the week and never tire.
Their energy is high, their tunes infectious, their matching outfits adorable, their visuals interesting, and their sound pure dance. For a good time, buy the Django Django album. For a great time, go and see them live.
