Born Under Saturn
by Django Django
  • Record Label: Because
  • Release Date: May 4, 2015
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 35 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 35
  3. Negative: 0 out of 35
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  1. dullurd
    May 22, 2015
    9
    I'll admit it: when I read a negative or mixed review of an album I enjoy, it sometimes makes me reconsider a bit. Maybe I was too oblivious to how derivative it was, or maybe my overall taste in music is flat out not that great- I will think to myself. Yes, this is somewhat pathetic, but I think it's probably a normal human psychological response.

    I mention this tendency of mine    I'll admit it: when I read a negative or mixed review of an album I enjoy, it sometimes makes me reconsider a bit. Maybe I was too oblivious to how derivative it was, or maybe my overall taste in music is flat out not that great- I will think to myself. Yes, this is somewhat pathetic, but I think it's probably a normal human psychological response.

    I mention this tendency of mine because in the case of Born Under Saturn (and the kinda muted critical reaction to it), my response has been uncharacteristic: I simply do not give a **** what anyone else says. This album has some of the catchiest, most beautiful and playful hooks and harmonies of anything I've heard in recent memory, and all I feel is gratitude that I can listen to it whenever I want. If you're on the fence about giving this a listen, don't listen to the whiny hipsters on Pitchfork and the like and just go for it.

    To be entirely fair, not every track here is a homerun. But worst tracks here are fine, just not that catchy or memorable. There are lots of highlights, however. My favorites: "Shake And Tremble", "Found You", "Reflections", "Break The Glass", and "Life We Know"    … Expand
  2. WolfLambert
    Jun 15, 2015
    7
    (Six and a half, but I'll give it the edge here because I can't specify to that high a level.) Admittedly I'd give this a much higher score if it weren't for their incredible debut. Compare it to that and this album just sounds a little too polished, less inventive and overall not as entertaining. The bedroom feel added something unique to the debut and that's lost here. But as much as I(Six and a half, but I'll give it the edge here because I can't specify to that high a level.) Admittedly I'd give this a much higher score if it weren't for their incredible debut. Compare it to that and this album just sounds a little too polished, less inventive and overall not as entertaining. The bedroom feel added something unique to the debut and that's lost here. But as much as I like long albums that contain good ideas, this album would be a lot better without some of the clear filler (4000 Years and Break the Glass mainly, High Moon is a runner-up but it's fine enough to keep it there).

    That's not to say this album is bad, not at all. It's just a bit of a letdown and not extremely impressive, but there is some great stuff on here (Giant, First Light, Pause Repeat, Reflections and Beginning to Fade stand out), some of the melodies are classic Django Django material and undeniably impressive and all throughout this record is a good listen. It's just overshadowed by what it could've been, and that's a shame.    … Expand
  3. Rallandollo
    May 7, 2015
    10
    It's just pure art. Maybe even better than their first album. Every track is so well produced and with so many details. I gotta admit Django Django is one of my favorite bands of all time and I honestly hope, they'll come to Denmark pretty soon. :-) Their music is so god damned addictive and infectious!! Folktronica FTW! :D
  4. BritishStink12
    May 7, 2015
    7
    Django Django really do bridge a gap between electronic and indie genres with 'Born Under Saturn', an invigorating and interesting new album. Infused with a jangling vocal and a synth backdrop, tracks such as 'First Light' and euphoric closer 'Life We Know' give the record real lift, although the album is arguably too long and diluted by less impactful tracks to really pack the punch itDjango Django really do bridge a gap between electronic and indie genres with 'Born Under Saturn', an invigorating and interesting new album. Infused with a jangling vocal and a synth backdrop, tracks such as 'First Light' and euphoric closer 'Life We Know' give the record real lift, although the album is arguably too long and diluted by less impactful tracks to really pack the punch it might otherwise do.… Expand
  5. ElroyRosenberg
    Jun 13, 2015
    9
    I could go on for ages and ages about this album. There's so much to like here. I don't think there's a single bad song. And the album's best track, "First Light", is absolutely spectacular, possibly the best song Django Django has put out to date. When the album hits, it absolutely nails it: "Shot Down" resonates even more after each listen; "Vibrations" starts off with deep bassI could go on for ages and ages about this album. There's so much to like here. I don't think there's a single bad song. And the album's best track, "First Light", is absolutely spectacular, possibly the best song Django Django has put out to date. When the album hits, it absolutely nails it: "Shot Down" resonates even more after each listen; "Vibrations" starts off with deep bass interjecting noises from a rainforest (in typical Django Django fashion) and just gets better from there; the hook(s) on "4000 Years" are some of the group's best; "Life We Know" is an obvious homage to their first album as they return to the more abstract, electronic sound on that track.

    What I liked most about this album was that it was an amalgamation of all things that make Django Django great (vocal harmonies, exciting chord progressions and melodies, synth-led instrumentation) but put down a different avenue than their first LP. The sound was much more like a series of alternative pop tracks, mixed with some folktronica and the like, whereas their first LP was more experimental and deliberately ambiguous.

    I wished it did a bit more of what tracks like "Life We Know" does - tap into what made the first album one of my favourites in the last god-knows-how-long - but what it lacks in experimental nuance, it brings in humming harmonies and catchy synth lines. I loved this album to bits. I love this group to bits. Here's to many more albums.    … Expand
  6. sphinmo
    Aug 8, 2015
    10
    This album is brilliant and arguably tops their debut album - which says a lot! Shake and Tremble, Pause Repeat, Reflections and First Light are my favourite tracks on the album but every single song on the album is good. The album is an absolute joy to listen to. I would highly recommend, faultless in my opinion.
  7. spleenblatt
    Jan 5, 2016
    8
    The touches of brilliance on this album and a couple of sublime songs more than compensate for the less successful tracks. When it really works (Shake and Tremble, Pause Repeat, Beginning to Fade, 4000 Years), and the lads reel in their odd bit of aural self-indulgence, the blending of genres is masterful. It's like Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks time-travelled to Manchester in theThe touches of brilliance on this album and a couple of sublime songs more than compensate for the less successful tracks. When it really works (Shake and Tremble, Pause Repeat, Beginning to Fade, 4000 Years), and the lads reel in their odd bit of aural self-indulgence, the blending of genres is masterful. It's like Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks time-travelled to Manchester in the 90s, and hooked up with a Devo covers band. Give it a listen. Why ? Because I, anonymous internet reviewer, say so.… Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Magnet
    Jun 4, 2015
    70
    A bit more expansive and widescreen, a bit more fleshed out and muscular, but essentially a companion piece to their debut. [No. 120, p.55]
  2. Clash Music
    May 15, 2015
    70
    For a band consisting of four members, Born Under Saturn is both remarkably adventurous and eclectic.
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  3. Alternative Press
    May 11, 2015
    70
    Born Under Saturn is an album of ambition, and while the gaffes certainly hold it back, there are enough good ideas crammed in throughout, making the album a worthy trip to a spacey dancehall.
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