This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
CD Review: Digitalism 'Idealism'
Artist: Digitalism
Album: Idealism
Release Date: June 2007
Label: Astralwerks
Digitalism is a duo, composed of a couple German guys, Jens Moelle and Ismail Tuefekci - they played at Coachella this year and will be back in LA to do a DJ set at the end of October. Even though I've got the video of 'Pogo' linked above, I don't think that track is representational of the album. 'Pogo' is much more rock oriented than the rest of the tunes on 'Idealism'.
I was fortunate enough to see Daft Punk on their recent US tour, and some critics have compared Digitalism to Daft Punk. I kind of agree, they do sound a bit like Daft Punk but with more human-like vocals and perhaps a bit more guitars. Unlike 'Pogo', most of their songs are club/dance-oriented, and generally much harder than Daft Punk which I thought was a good move. They also tend to mix things up a bit more, some tunes are just a couple minutes long and then there's the more groove-oriented ones that get up to four and a half minutes or so. The problem with a lot of electronica artists is that they try to milk a groove for as long as they can and you end up with a collection of tracks that all push six minutes and that shit just gets tired.
Digitalism doesn't seem to be afraid to write more songs and not play them out to death. I'm enjoying their fearlessness, I'd totally check out their DJ set this fall (October 27th, LA Sports Arena)
Digitalism - 'The Pulse'
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
