Posted on 07/13/2005

 

Attention all electronica / trip hop junkies: Royksopp is back with their second studio album and it's a winner. They still offer their brand of synthesized dance grooves and "cool out" techno. And, like their previous work, they've penned quite a few decent, if not fabulous, lyrics. With this strong release, the Norwegian duo have assured their place in the industry. Royksopp offers four cuts sans lyrics including the album's brilliant introduction, "Triumphant"; the title perfectly fits the sound. Another instrumental, "Alpha Male", carries the listener through the birth, existence and rebirth of this alpha male guy. The other two, "Sombre Detune" and "Tristesse Globale" are worth a listen although the latter is entirely depressing. Want another joy-killer? Try "Dead to the World" for an extra dismal dose of gloom.

The definitive dance tunes, besides the instrumental "Sombre Detune" mentioned, are "49 Percent", "Beautiful Day without You" and "Circuit Breaker". Caution: "Circuit Breaker" will exhaust you midway through the song–it's rather spastic. "Beautiful Day without You", is also my favorite lyrical cut by far. There are other uptempo songs like, "Follow My Ruin" and "Only This Moment" but singing along takes precedence over cutting a rug. "Follow My Ruin" (as well as "What Else is There?") sounds like the Nordic pair just finished watching MTV… from 1984: nice songs but definitely 80s inspired. Despite the 80s overwhelm, Karin Dreijer (of The Knife fame) provides perfection on "What Else is There?" as a guest vocalist.

If you're not in the mood for dancing but still need your fill of techno, or if you just want to slow your step a little, you will be well pleased with the soul-similar "Someone Like Me". You should also listen to "Triumphant" again.

Formerly, I was a card-carrying fan of Royksopp's genre when I frequented clubs like Baseline/Limelight in Philly. I am not now. However, it is nice to see this music still alive and still worth a listen every now and then. And with artists such as the fellas that make up Royksopp, this music is far from extinction.

s it too soon to anticipate a third release?