DATAROCK – Media Consumption Pyramid

Norwegian synthpop/new wave/indie rock eccentrics Datarock are back with a lovely new slice of memorable music that is bound to make you dance and think at the same time. With its infectious sense of enthusiasm and energy not to mention its quirky lyrics and pristine-sounding production, Media Consumption Pyramid shows them hitting a creative peak and I find the catchy affair a most uplifting and refreshing thing to listen to these days. It is a surprisingly layered piece of work in many respects, and the nods to some of the great synth-driven mavericks and pioneers of the 80s make for a most pleasant and charming listen. Although not the most consistent and cohesive piece of work ever crafted with ‘Aeon Flux’, ‘Double Vision’, and ‘Metaverse’ not adding much to the overall narrative and occasionally sounding slightly annoying rather than potent, the majority of tracks hit the mark and get underneath one’s skin. Personal favorites include the pleasingly melancholic ‘Heart Shaped Circle’, the spirited ‘Rabbit Hole’, and the electrifying ‘Video Store’. Give this eclectic opus a serious listen if you are feeling musically adventurous one day as there are some juicy gems here.