Digitalism is yet another group blurring boundaries and bridging gaps between rock and dance camps and defining the ever-more-popular idea of nu-rave. Digitalism’s debut full length Idealism is 53 minutes of catchy electronic stomp and bop that holds its momentum from start to finish. The most impressive aspect of this German duo’s production mojo is its ability to smoothly duck and weave between layers of synthesisers, digital trickery and live guitar, drum and vocal samples. It could easily pass for a new Daft Punk project aimed at remixing and paying homage to new wave/post-punk favourites, in particular The Cure and New Order. That said, the trick to enjoying this one to the max, is to avoid getting so hung up on picking influences and familiar riffs that you forget to just fuckin’ rock out. Mind you, this shouldn’t be a problem with tracks like ‘Homezone’, where resistance to dance is useless. The repeated mantra of ‘I have the biggest parties ever at home!’ will ring true if this one’s dropped at your next housewarming.
Daniel Aron