Datarock: Catchy Electronic Funk from Bergen, Norway

Norway’s Datarock are a blend of retro aesthetics, fun music, and modern electronic elements. Here’s why you should give them a listen.

I’d liked Datarock for some time but had no idea they were Norwegian until I came here. Their raw electronic rock excites my nerve endings and makes me throw shapes in the shower. And on the balcony. And on the T-Bane. And… you get the idea.

Datarock are one of the closest bands I’ve heard to what my mythical group “David and the Keyboards” would sound like. Close, but not the same. I'd have more keyboards, obviously.

The sound of Datarock

Datarock is a Norwegian electronic music duo that emerged from Bergen in the early 2000s. Today the band primarily consists of Fredrik Saroea and Ketil Mosnes. Previous members included Kevin O’Brien and Tom Mæland.

They're known for their distinctive sound, which blends elements of funk, pop, and electronic music, as well as for their energetic live performances.

Some of their popular songs include “Fa-Fa-Fa,” “Computer Camp Love,” and “Amarillion.” “Computer Camp Love” in particular gained attention for its playful reference to the 1984 film “Revenge of the Nerds.”

One of the unique aspects of Datarock is their visual identity. They are often seen wearing matching red tracksuits, which have become emblematic of their image.

Their style is sometimes described as a mix of Talking Heads, Devo, and Happy Mondays, and their music often contains witty lyrics and catchy hooks.

Datarock beyond music

You will probably have heard at least one Datarock song without realising it, especially if you’re a nerd like me.

Their songs have been featured in FIFA 08, FIFA 09, FIFA 10, Need For Speed: ProStreet, Sims 2, an iPod advert, and one of my favourite time-wasting iPhone games Tap Tap Revenge 3.

A rather unique and chilling fact about Datarock – they played on Utøya to the hundreds of teenagers and young adults attending the UAF summer camp less than 24 hours before the tragedy of 22 July.

They spoke about their feelings to Channel 4 News. “These were just innocent, defenceless kids spending summer socialising, getting new friends and camping out with their buddies,” said singer Fredrik Saroea.

Are you a fan of Datarock? Perhaps you’ve seen a live performance? Let us know your favourite track in the comments below.