Review of The Understanding Album by Royksopp

Royksopp

Royksopp - The Understanding - released 4 th July 2005 - Album Review
Royksopp - The Understanding - released 4 th July 2005 - Album Review
Royksopp

The Understanding

released 4 th July 2005

This latest offering from the innovative Nordic funksters Royksopp is very pleasing to the ear. After the electronic debut album ‘Melody AM’, Torbjrn Brundtland and Svein Berge’s ‘The Understanding’ is an infinitely more melodious offering with a whole host of musical delights.

The opening of first track ‘Triumphant’ features a beautiful, if repetitive piano riff accompanied by a down tempo beat joined by chimes and keyboard. A lively percussion soon kicks in to give the impression of an 80s TV show.
After this solemn opening the pace is picked up and ‘The Understanding’ becomes progressively housier. ‘49 Percent’ has a garagey rhythm and an emotional change of key. ‘Sombre Detune’ derives its sobriety from the unfathomably dark bassline and the Synthesised vocals of ‘Beautiful Day Without You’ are akin to a production from French musicians Air.

This is a quality album that would appeal to fans of bands like Lemonjelly.

alex mula
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