Django Django Explores the Cosmos on Sprawling Concept Album ‘Off Planet’

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When a band embraces a concept for an album, the outcome can be expansive and untethered. For Django Django, their fifth studio album ‘Off Planet’ dives into the realms of outer space and ufology, resulting in a sprawling musical endeavor that mirrors the vastness of its subject matter.

Comprised of 21 tracks, ‘Off Planet’ is divided into four distinct parts or “planets.” The core duo of David Maclean and Vincent Neff began working on these tracks around the time of their 2021 release ‘Glowing in the Dark,’ aiming to create beats that deviated from their previous musical offerings.

The album’s first single, “Complete Me” (from Part 1), features long-time collaborator Self Esteem (aka Rebecca Taylor) and channels the dance pop vibes of the early 1990s. The second single, “Don’t Touch That Dial” (from Part 2), is a club-ready banger featuring Yuuko, a Japanese rapper discovered by Maclean through a Google search. Although released separately, Parts 1 and 2 are integral pieces of a larger puzzle. The tracks, along with the others on the accompanying EPs, blend rave music and dance pop, with additional hints of Afro beat, acid house, blues, and soul sprinkled throughout.

‘Off Planet’ boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators, including “Afro-rave pioneer” Toya Delazy (“Galaxy Mood”), North London’s Refound (“Hands High”), Stealing Sheep (“Dead Machine”), and many more.

A standout moment on the album is “Slipstream,” nestled in Part 4. This epic, five-minute opus combines elements of Django Django’s sound from the past decade, showcasing their artistic evolution.

In their pursuit of ‘Off Planet,’ Django Django aimed to deconstruct their sound and embark on a voyage of discovery. However, in their ambitious effort, they inadvertently reconstructed Django Django in a lackluster and exhausting 21-track endeavor. It becomes evident that the band strived to create something fundamentally uncharacteristic of their previous works. Yet, the result occasionally becomes a tedious slog, akin to a lengthy journey to a distant planet.

While ‘Off Planet’ offers glimpses of Django Django’s experimental spirit and showcases their diverse musical influences, its extensive length and varied styles may prove overwhelming for some listeners. Despite the band’s intentions to venture into uncharted territories, the album falls short of creating a cohesive and consistently engaging experience.

Ultimately, ‘Off Planet’ is a testament to Django Django’s ambition and willingness to push their sonic boundaries. However, the journey they embark on may leave some feeling fatigued, much like the arduous trek to an unknown celestial body.