Album Review

Datarock – Red

• 5th Jun 2009

There’s a charming contradiction at the heart of Datarock’s sophomore effort; it’s a concept record, to quote the press release ‘…an in-depth study on cultural evolution.’, I’m reliably informed it was recorded exclusively with technology available before 1983. Influences cited include the works of Peter Greenaway and Don Delillo. It sounds every bit a pretentious and opaque bore of an album on paper. On paper, perhaps, but on record, Red is a tuneful, exciting, romp of dance-punk mentalism; it’s a concept album that’s somehow, well, fun.

The 80s vibe that runs through the 13 tracks does good things to Datarock’s sound; the new wave influence is palpable not least on tracks like the irrepressible and aptly-titled ‘Dance!’ and bombastic album high of ‘The Pretender’. There are more explicit lyrical nods to the decade in the lyrics to ‘True Stories’ – effectively a list of Talking Heads song titles, and ‘Molly’ as in, Rigwald, a hilariously straight-faced ode to the actress’ body of work. Datarock’s tongues may be quite comfortable in their cheeks, but there’s no denying their ability to pen a cracking pop song; see the mellower, Bowie-esque ‘Amarillion’ for starters.

There’s something to be said for a band that puts out a concept work in this singles-orientated musical climate. There’s plenty more to be said for a band that pulls it off so effortlessly as Datarock do with this terrific second album.