It’s not until you witness Django Django up close that you realise how much they are influenced by Hot Chip.

Like those English electro pioneers, Django Django aim for a sound above the standard three-chord attack and beyond the pentatonic. It’s basically indie music with a brain – plus a truckload of alternating time signatures.

Although undoubtedly talented, it is difficult to envision how so many angular riffs and electro flourishes can be translated to the stage without compromise.

Last night they proved – albeit with the help of more than a few lazy keyboard samples – that their live repertoire is equal to anything they put down in a studio. Some early mic problems aside, they delivered without exception.

Prior to Django Django’s appearance, Sydneysiders Palms provided the first and only support act due to the no-show from scheduled act Twinsy, who apparently missed a scheduled flight, meaning that Django Django would be finishing 45 minutes later than usual (too bad if anyone had concrete plans after the show).

Forming out of the ashes of Red Riders, the four-piece Palms delivered a crowd-pleasing 4/4 set of indie jangle that was highlighted by the biting ‘This Last Year’.

Though pleasant, there was nothing quite as memorable as ‘Ordinary’ – a gorgeous piece of autumn indie mood from the band’s previous musical carnation.

Decked out in matching shirts – another playful nod to many of their English counterparts – and on the final leg of their Australian tour, Django Django frontman Vincent Neff declared he was going to indulge in the local lager.

Despite the increase of blood alcohol content, it never affected the band’s vibe and rhythm early on. If anything, it added to the night’s festivities.

The crowd too was particularly vocal, especially following pulsating tunes like ‘Hail Bop’ and ‘Default’. The band was equally effective in less frantic tracks such as the multi-harmonising ‘Hand Of Man’.

The fact that Django Django’s one and only LP goes for around 48 minutes meant the members had to expand upon most of the songs in order to fulfill the allocated set time. On paper it seemed a difficult task, but they soldiered on nonetheless and performed with the authority of a group beyond their slender discography.

Much like their album, the best aspect of the group is their ability to drift from genre to genre, blending spaghetti western overtones with elements of folk, rock and electro. Last night they did likewise.

Bands like Django Django are introducing new words into the industry; words like ‘scattershot’. Some are heralding them as the saviours of British indie.

While saviours might be a touch strong, they are still a genuine talent whose sophomore release will be keenly anticipated. Their live credentials are pretty top notch, too.

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