CD Review

Divergent from the dour sounds of fellow Scandinavian synth imps, The Knife, Datarock comes across like a Norwegian Ween (with wardrobe tips from Goldie Lookin’ Chain).  Guitar-reliant opener “Bulldozer” could have come from any number of mid-Nineties indie bands. “Computer Camp Love” is the Grease Theme flung half a decade forward from its 1978 origin, landing squarely in the land of Tandy, Commodore 64, parachute pants, and Trapper Keepers.  Bubbly disco masterclass “FaFaFa” follows; don’t fret, the song is not to be mistaken for anything in the Guster canon.  “Ganguro Girl” wrests Japanophile fetishism away from the bony hands of Gwen Stefani, with deliberate lounge-appropriate crooning that tops Scott Weiland’s Wayne Newton impersonation off that second Stone Temple Pilots album.  Hidden in the middle, “See What I Care” demands repeat visits.  Fans of The Presets and Pleasure, take note -  electro-pop has rediscovered its sense of humor.

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