Prepare to embark on a cosmic expedition of sound as Django Django unveils Off Planet Part 4, the final installment completing their trailblazing fifth studio album, Off Planet.
Django Django unveils their most skillfully crafted and audaciously inventive record to date, ‘Off Planet‘ beckons you to explore the depths of their musical subconscious, where they boldly defy the limitations imposed by genres and break free from their shackles.
The opening track greets you with a captivating depth reminiscent of Depeche Mode’s finest moments. But hold on tight, because in no time, you’ll find yourself bouncing to an irresistible bassy synthy groove that simply demands your body to move.
Picture a delightful blend of jazz influences and nostalgic 80s synth vibes, and you’ve got Django Django’s secret formula for delivering pure, unadulterated joy. They effortlessly fuse these elements together, creating a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly unique.
This record is a testament to Django Django’s fearless exploration and refusal to be confined by any musical boundaries. It’s a celebration of their artistic growth and a bold declaration that they’re ready to conquer new horizons. So put on your dancing shoes and prepare to immerse yourself in a musical experience that will leave you grinning from ear to ear.
Django Django fifth studio album, Off Planet is being hailed – rightly so – as their most skillfully crafted record to date, this album is a remarkable culmination of the UK four-piece’s creative journey. Split into four parts, each representing a different “planet,” Off Planet is an exploration beyond boundaries, available now via Because Music / Virgin Music Australia.
Conceived by Django Django co-founder and producer Dave Maclean, Off Planet serves as a gateway to uncharted sonic territories. It dismantles the band’s identity, inviting new voices, rhythms, and experimentation into the mix. The result is a bold and eclectic statement, showcasing a dazzling array of mainstream and underground luminaries.
Dave personally sought out talented collaborators like Self Esteem, Jack Peñate, Stealing Sheep, and Toya Delazy, each adding fresh creative angles to the mix. From bluesy pop to Middle Eastern cabaret goth, Afro-acid to piano rave, this album is a kaleidoscope of musical marvels. While it may sound unlike anything they’ve done before, Off Planet remains unmistakably Django Django at its core.
The highlight track of Part 4, titled ‘Slipstream,’ transports listeners into a trance-inducing dance realm. Drawing influences from Patrick Cowley, Daft Punk, and Vitalic, this captivating tune combines heavy electronic elements, intricate melodies, and an irresistibly danceable beat, all enveloped in ethereal vocal harmonies. Part 4 also features a mesmerizing lineup of tracks including ‘Dumb Drum,’ ‘Fluxus,’ ‘Who You Know’ featuring the incredible Bernardo, ‘Black Cadillac,’ and ‘Gazelle.’
In their own words, Django Django shared their insights on the remaining tracks from Off Planet Part 4:
“Off Planet 4 marks the culmination of this series. ‘Fluxus’ is a synth-heavy track that Dave crafted in his home studio during lockdown, later enhanced by Jim’s captivating topline. ‘Who You Know’ started as a slow, fuzzy hip-hop beat that Sonia Bernardo breathed new life into, drawing inspiration from Tricky’s early work. ‘Black Cadillac’ pays homage to New Orleans and Dr. John, born out of a Scottish jam session during a tumultuous storm and power outage. The closing track, ‘Gazelle,’ co-written by Dave’s brother and Beta Band member John, was conceived as an extended chugging disco track infused with elements reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac and the Doobie Brothers. It also showcases the sublime violin talents of Raven Bush, who graced our previous LP on tracks like ‘Night of the Buffalo’ and ‘The World Will Turn.'”
Off Planet, the full album, is out now 💥
Part 4, the finale of the series has landed, bringing together all 21 tracks. Thank you to all the incredible artists who came and featured on the record 🪐 https://t.co/nWmz3vsA1Q pic.twitter.com/nICLNc8IKg
— Django Django (@thedjangos) June 16, 2023
Off Planet is adorned with several standout singles that have garnered acclaim and widespread airplay. The infectious ‘Complete Me’ featuring Self Esteem, a radiant explosion of 90s dance-pop, found its place on BBC Radio 6 Music’s A-List and Double J’s playlist. The genre-bending ‘No Time’ featuring Jack Peñate and the futuristic club track ‘Don’t Touch That Dial’ featuring Yuuko further solidify the album’s captivating allure.
In their ongoing quest for sonic exploration, Django Django joins forces with Bernardo on ‘Who You Know’ for Part 4, uniting their sound with fresh voices and pushing the boundaries of their musical evolution.
To celebrate the release of Off Planet, Django Django will grace the shores of Australia, taking part in the Wanderer Festival at Pambula Beach (NSW) on Saturday, September 30th. Additionally, they will be headlining a series of shows, thrilling fans at Factory Theatre in Sydney (October 1st), The Triffid in Brisbane (October 4th), and Corner Hotel in Melbourne (October 6th). These live performances will be a testament to Django Django’s captivating stage presence and their ability to translate their boundary-breaking sound into an unforgettable experience.
Off Planet is a sonic voyage like no other, inviting you to explore uncharted realms of musical expression. Django Django’s fearless experimentation and willingness to push beyond the confines of convention have resulted in their most extraordinary and diverse offering yet. So, strap in and prepare to be transported to galaxies of sound, where innovation and joy collide in perfect harmony. Off Planet is here to redefine your musical universe.
Wrap your ears around ‘Off Planet’ below:
