One record at a time: 512. Digitalism - Idealism

Back in 2007, a few life events had me taking refuge in music, which remains one of my healthier coping mechanisms. Conveniently, it also felt like electronic music was having a proper revival at this time with Gui Boratto, Justice and Simian Mobile Disco stepping into the light and soundtracking my minor existential wobble. One of the albums I played to death during this time was "Idealism" by German duo Digitalism. I missed the original vinyl release, so this 2024 triple-disc neon green edition was never going to be a "nice to have". It was essential.

The album lands right in the sweet spot between high-energy electro house and the indie-rock habits of the mid-2000s, back when bands like Klaxons and Kasabian decided they quite fancied dance music, nicked a few moves, and tried to pass it off as rock ’n’ roll. Digitalism flip that idea on its head. This is the dance lot borrowing a bit of guitar, feeding it into the laptop, and somehow making it sound like the correct life choice.

If you ask the internet, "Pogo" is the headline track, but it has never been my favourite because it edges a little too far into indie territory for my taste. If you want Digitalism with the synths turned up and the guitars politely shown the door, "Jupiter Room" is the one. It is easily among their best productions, a huge, bruising anthem that still hits with the same reckless confidence today as it did when it was released almost twenty years ago (gulp, is it really that long ago?).

I also like the opening track "Magnets" and the bleepy chic of "Zdarlight" is hard to resist, but it is another track that kicks the door in. "Idealistic" is all squalling synths, clipped beats and gloriously overcooked electric piano. If you have neighbours, this is the track that tests how well you actually get on with them. At the end of the flip side "Echoes" is a firm favourite of mine as it balances melody and mood in a way I would normally associate with the calm competence of Röyksopp. This is the sort of track that compels you dance with a smile on your face. 

On the second disc, “The Pulse” is another cracking electronic cut, all shimmer and forward motion, and it keeps the album moving along nicely. Aside from "Pogo" the only other track I don't like much is the disposable indie-rock clutter “Anything New”, which feels like it has wandered in from a different record and is now pretending it was invited. This edition also throws in five previously unreleased bonus tracks from the original sessions, which is basically the musical equivalent of finding you’ve still got half a portion of chips hidden under your fish. Pass the ketchup.

So, does Idealism still hold up? Absolutely. It is loud, bright, slightly chaotic, and impossible to sit still through, even if your knees now make the kind of noises that were not a problem in 2007. The neon green triple-vinyl reissue feels fitting for an album this vivid, and the extra session tracks are a welcome bonus rather than padding. If you have any affection for the mid-two thousands electro revival, this is a no-brainer. Just clear a bit of space on the shelf, and maybe warn the neighbours. 4/5