DISCO DIGITALE COMPUTER DREAMS ALBUM KILLING MUSIC RELEASE: APRIL 26, 2006 REVIEW: MAY 11, 2006

As I look back on my rather extensive Italo Disco collection, I can not help but feel slightly resignated, as melodically superior (though not always lyrically so gifted) songs relentlessly turned into the euro techno of the early-to-mid-nineties. Fancy, Den Harrow, Ken Laszlo, Alan Berry, Scotch, Max Him and Miko Mission were replaced by the hollow nothingness of Ice Mc, DJ Bobo, Captain Hollywood and (ahh, the horror!) Basic Element.

The uniqueness and naivety of the Italo movement has been missed by many and perhaps forgotten by even more, but it seems it still occupies a certain piece of the hearts of the synthpop crowd. Rightly so, I might add, as the above mentioned acts (among countless others) focused on music made straight from the heart as opposed to tailor made hit list packages.

Gothenburg residents Disco Digitale try to, and for the most part succeed, prolong the Italo Disco of the eighties. "Computer Dreams" has that unmistakable retro feel; the energetic sounds, extensive hand clap use and trademark octave bass are all there. As are the heavily themed lyrics. Space, computers and aliens. But this is an album of melody, happiness and nostalgia. "Taken to the Stars", "Silent Emotions" and "Another World" are perky, melodic speedsters, while "I Scream the Body Electric" overdoses on Digital Emotion-esque laser sounds.

"Computer Dreams", while not in any way groundbreaking, is a breath of fresh retro air, in an electronic world of fat bass drums and increasing rhythm orientation.

NIKLAS FORSBERG