Catcher in he Rye

Song: Catcher in the Rye
Artist: Datarock
Album: Catcher in the Rye EP






It wasn't until their sophomore album, 2009's "Red" that I got into Norway's Datarock.  But I liked that records mix of rock, punk, dance, and what seemed like a growing Talking Heads influence.  I adore the Talking Heads, and now that the band have recently released two EP's, "California" & "Catcher in the Rye," I'm starting to hear the influence even more.

On "Red," aside from the Heads' fixation, the band also explored a dark, totalitarian-state vibe that none-the-less was mixed with humor.  That humor is also found on these two new EP's, which are so good, I'm wondering why they decided to drop these now, why not wait until they had a material's worth for a full album?  Why question it I suppose... it's just that these songs are pretty great.

"Catcher in the Rye" is by far a favorite, it mixes some Television-esque guitar strumming, some "Psycho Killer"-like wailing, as well as some soaring synths that bring it all together.  Maybe unsurprisingly, the title track from the other EP, "California," is also a standout, which wears its 80's influences proudly, from the cheesy synthesisers, smile-endusing drum breakdowns, and Men at Work melodies.  Fun.

Well, these two EP's do constitute of more than throw-aways, and may just be a layover on the way to the third album.  Either way, "Catcher in the Rye" will get you going.

Enjoy.

Catcher in the Rye

California

Give it Up (from "Red")