Media Consumption Pyramid
Apollon/YAP, 2023
9/10
Listen to Media Consumption Pyramid
The Norwegian electronica wizards Datarock return with 7 members from their core group for these 11 lively tracks that continue their globally appreciated version of disco-punk.
“Armadillo Pt. II” opens the listen with no lack of beats guiding the synth-rock ideas and expressive singing from Fredrik Saroea, and “Heart Shaped Circle” follows with a dense energy that touches on post-punk amid the thumping drums.
Further along, “DISCOBedience” comes with plenty of atmosphere before segueing into a dance floor ready spirit of melodic and rich haze, while “Video Store” buzzes with some New Wave nods that complement the dreamy versus firm moments.
Arriving near the end, ‘Digital Life” uses the bright synth and playful percussive ideas with much creativity, and “Armadillo Pt. I” exits with a soulful quality that adds another dimension to the band’s diverse formula.
In addition to Saroea, this version of Datarock includes the bassists Ketil Mosnes and Thomas Larssen, Casio-operator Stig Narve Brunstad, keyboardist/saxophonist Kjetil Møster, and drummers/percussionists Øyvind Solheim and Tarjei Strøm. Together, they mesh indie-rock, alt-rock and animated electronica into a record that’s as memorable as their red jump suits.
Travels well with: Pixie Ninja-Hypnagogia; Heatwaves- Kappa