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Datarock

Who? The Norwegian ensemble helped usher in the new rave movement with a flurry of Casio keyboards and matching red hoodies. Founded in 2000, the band hails from the same Bergen music scene that bred Kings of Convenience, Röyksopp, and Annie. Their full-length debut, Datarock Datarock, was originally released in 2005 by Young Aspiring Professionals, a label formed by frontman Fredrik Saroea and bassist Ketil Mosnes, but the duo has now inked a deal with Nettwerk, who will distribute the album in the U.S. this month.

What’s the Deal? Part Devo and part !!!, Datarock crib unlikely pop culture influences from the late ’70s and early ’80s. There’s the disco camp of “I Will Always Remember You,” the New Order-style romp of “Sex Me Up,” and the Revenge of the Nerds homage in “Computer Camp Love.” Meanwhile, the pair pepper tinny keyboards and tongue-in-cheek refrains, like “BMX is better than sex,” throughout the 11-song set. One thing the group takes seriously, however, is pumping out the dance floor jams. “Fa Fa Fa” is an exuberant rave-up that will make every hipster whip himself into shape and whip it good.

Fun Fact: Datarock made their live debut in December 2000 at Annie’s monthly club night, Pop Till You Drop. GINNY YANG

Now Hear This: Datarock – “See What I Care” DOWNLOAD MP3