Album Review: Django Django - Marble Skies

In the past, Django Django have managed to wrangle the seemingly disparate styles of electronic pop and rockabilly rhythms into songs that roll and pulse, both on the dancefloor and as highly attractive synth pop. They continue that template here, but it all sounds more refined and cohesive.

Their trademark vocal delivery and the way the melodies, and harmonies, are layered and blended is still the most distinct aspect of their sound. The area where they've gained the most traction and taken their songs forward is in the composition and instrumental arrangements. They run the gamut from the sugary jackhammer rhythm and Suicide meets early Depeche Mode of the title track through to the Jan Hammer-assisted piano with dreamy kosmische vibe of the excellent Sundials. Both Tic Tac Toe and In Your Beat excel at marrying brain activity and foot movement with dizzying precision and economy, while the clipped guitar riff of Further reminds that they are still a band that play live instruments.

Marble Skies' electronic-pop psychedelia is a fine soundtrack for the summer months, with immediately appealing music from thinking musicians who know how to find that balance between creativity and accessibility.