Datarock - 'Datarock Datarock' (Young Aspiring Professionals) Released 03/07/06

Welcome to the wonderful world of Datarock. A kaleidoscopic, poptastic hybrid of sexed up, infectious melodies, hyperactive electronica and plenty of tongue in cheek wit. Admittedly the sum of many divergent influences, what distances the Norwegian duo from their contemporaries is that they seem truly liberated and free from artistic restraints. In fact, it sounds like Fredrik and Kentil recorded their twice-named eponymous debut just for a laugh – and this unadulterated feel good zest is contagious.

Guitar-led opener ‘Bulldozer’, shifting between a subtle tune and suddenly erratic outbursts provides a beguiling start, only hinting at the zaniness later on. It’s with ‘I Used To Dance With My Daddy’ that the boys lay the funk on thickly, before the fantastic ‘Computer Camp Love’ perfectly surmises all that’s great about this band - comical call-response Grease parodied vocals (“Tell me more was it love at first sight?”), a funky as **** incessant bass line, hilarious lyrics about Commodore 64’s and geeky schoolboy love and whirring electronica. Really it’s brilliant. Taking gnawing repetition to new heights, ‘Fa-Fa-Fa’ is so damn catchy it’s impossible not to get won over by its charms, ‘Princess’ continues the charm offensive with its witty dual lyrics “You’re the ass of a prince, you’re the prince of an ass” all amidst impossibly catchy throat strainingly urgent delivery.

Admittedly, on the surface it would be quite easy to knock the joke-laden, drollness of Datarock, yet they do it all with so much boyish enthusiasm, it’s impossible to be exasperated. ‘Nightflight To Uranus’ plays on the oldest double entendre in the book, ‘Maybelline’ pokes fun at a certain cosmetics advert plastered all over the tele with its faux elongated harmonies and Santana-esque guitar jams, and they’re ace. Showing they’ve got another side, the beat fuelled ‘Ugly Primadonna’ takes a slightly darker turn with its brooding pulse and solemn vocals, while ‘Laurie’ and the ultimate ‘The Most Beautiful Girl’ prove they can write poignant tunes to devastating effect.

Criminally ignored by many, really it’s about time you tuned into Datarock.