Clever pop albums rarely gain mainstream approval these days. In fact many bands struggle to get anywhere ploughing this furrow. Django Django are the latest band to try and get somewhere through this path and this really is a worthy effort which deserves airplay and plaudits.
Default is one of the most catchy and wonderful tunes you are likely to hear this year. Cut up vocals, electronic noises, drumming at the centre of the piece and melody. It really is a wow moment the first time you listen to it. It is so good you wonder if everything else would stand up. However, tracks like Waveforms, WOR and Zumm Zumm deliver as well. WOR has a Duane Eddy style guitar riff the somehow emerges from the sounds of a siren. Zumm Zumm starts with an almost demented alien sounding riff and then emerges into a catchy number. A lot of these tracks sound like Beta Band and if you liked them then you'll like this. Its a bit more dance inspired and upbeat than some of their numbers but if you want a guide then they are the closest I have heard.
The joy of this is that every track develops as it goes along and delivers percussion led pop with good harmonies. Its inventive, catchy and above all else fun. Its an early contender for album of the year and is a worthwhile investment.