Django Django, Barrowland, Glasgow

Four stars

Django Django may have their roots in Edinburgh rather than Glasgow, but this was a celebratory homecoming sort of affair nonetheless. When singer Vincent Neff spoke about his delight at the group finally playing there it seemed genuine, but even more striking was how comfortable the band seemed in their surroundings.

The foursome’s sound came across suitably expansive, and although the Barrowland wasn’t filled to capacity, the overall vibe was locked into an enthusiastic party throughout, partly due to Neff, a raved-up preacher of a singer. They were also helped by an impressive lights and video show, but there’s no doubt the group as a whole cut more confident figures now, fully the life and soul of the party rather than just the shy guys in the corner who take time to stir.

Perhaps the process that created this year’s Born Under Saturn album has helped, but it was surprising how that album only delivered six tracks, while old favourites from their debut made up the majority. Still, the two records weaved together nicely, with tunes often distilled to their core elements, namely hazy synths, thumping drums from Dave MacLean and a crystal clear guitar twang that would make Duane Eddy smile.

It provided a smooth journey from Shake and Tremble’s downright filthy rock n roll to the arms aloft psyche pop of First Light, and a version of Love’s Dart that was reworked as a Western soundtrack. The second half then pushed dance to the forefront, from Waveforms hypnotic groove to the surf-styled riffs powering Life’s A Beach and WOR, creating a gleeful spirit that a somewhat perfunctory encore unfortunately couldn’t come close to matching. The night was already a triumph, though.