Royksopp

SeniorWall of Sound ****

Norway's Röyksopp (Svein Berge and Torborn Brundtland) have been at it for more than 12 years. They've been high achievers through albums such as their debut, Melody AM, and by allowing their music to be used by T-Mobile and Apple. Such exposure may have scuppered less disciplined acts, but Röyksopp have continued on their singular path through The Understanding(2005) and Junior(2009).

Each benefitted from vocal collaborations with singers Karin Dreijer Andersson (of the Knife and Fever Ray), Lykke Li and Robyn. A sequel of sorts to Junior, Senior is more considered and reflective. Wholly instrumental, its tunes are possibly the warmest we've heard this year, untouched by electronica's occasionally jarring complexities, and invested with more linear, traditional influences. In other words, the chill pill to beat all chill pills, and quite beautiful, indeed.

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Download tracks: The Alcoholic, The Drug, Coming Home