REVIEW: Datarock Datarock

Datarock
Datarock Datarock
© 2005 Young Aspiring Professionals

Datrock Datarock, the debut album form the Norwegian group Datarock hit the states in 2007 (though it was released in Europe in 2005) like a tidal wave. It came on fast, went everywhere, and then was gone. Unlike the kind of disaster that destroys houses, however, we can only hope that we haven’t seen the last of Datarock.


Tracksuited kings of the dance-punk/nu-disco scene, Datarock have blended their raw, indie aesthetic, classic disco backbeats, and clever lyrics to perfection. Even the weaker tracks on the album still shine with fun and dancability. Just try not grooving to the jangling beats of “Fa fa fa.”

“Fa Fa Fa”


For my money, the best showcase for the band’s style and wit is “Computer Camp Love,” a take-off of “Summer Nights” set to a driving beat. And the video is fantastic:

“Computer Camp Love”


As I said, though, the album is not all shining perfection. Some tracks, such as “I Used to Dance With My Daddy” and “Princess” fail to achieve a smooth identity and, instead, come across as bland or awkward. Fortunately, these moments are few and, at least, manage to remain danceable.

Interestingly, the US version of Datarock Datarock features several songs that are not on the earlier release and is missing two of the original tracks. Completionists may be interested in what their version is missing.

US listeners miss out on:
“Nightflight to Uranus” — The joke may be all in the pronunciation of Uranus, but that doesn’t make it less funny…
“Maybelline” — There’s an entertaingly creepy edge to the earnestness of this song, which quotes the “Maybe it’s Maybelline” ads.

...but they gain:
“Ganguro Girl” — A Shibuya love song about the Japanese alt-fashion.
“See What I Care” — Less a dance song than a solid bit of heavily distorted electro-rock.
“The New Song” — A rockin’ anthem.
“I Will Always Remember You” — A lounge-y duet with Norwegian pop artist Annie.

“The New Song” and “I Will Always Remember You” are somewhat weak, but “Guanguro Girl” and “See What I Care” are at least on par with the two absent tracks. All in all, a slight net gain for the US release.

STRONGLY RECCOMENDED IF… you like to shake your groove thing. This is a very strong album whose weaker tracks still manage to fall in as “better than average.” If you don’t like to dance, well, this album may not change your mind, but it may also have enough wit and rock-edge for you to enjoy it all the same.

MP3: CD: