Bands are rarely led by their drummers – there's too big a risk of 25-minute tom-tom solos. But David Maclean, mastermind of the delightful new group Django Django, is an exception. He and his band take a light, spry approach to their groove-centered music, which is experimental but never dour. On their debut (which came out overseas in January), the Djangos are minimalists, working in the lineage of Stereolab, krautrock and the softly alien sounds of Brian Eno. Guitarist Vincent Neff sings about modern life ("the rattle of drums, the click of my thumbs") and the dazed feeling of getting lost in nature. And wherever they travel, Django Django sound relaxed and joyful.

Listen to Django Django's "Default": 

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• Photos: Random Notes

“More Than a Feeling”

Boston mastermind Tom Scholz was as surprised by anyone when he sent his unsolicited demo to record labels and got back a positive response. Scholz said, “I couldn’t believe it. Nobody knew who we were, so I wouldn’t even say we were struggling. It was groveling.” Part of the credit for the interest must go to the anthemic rock number "More Than a Feeling." Inspired by the Left Banke's 1966 hit "Walk Away Renee," Scholz worked on the song for five years in his basement studio before it was released on this album.