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RoyksoppThe Understanding Virgin/EMI Roysopp's debut album 'Melody AM' stands alongside Air's 'Moon Safari' as one of the great late night albums, so it was no surprise that an array of tracks were lifted for virtually every chillout compilation of the time. Now they've have stepped up to the crease with their next piece of electronic wizardry, 'The Understanding'. This time however, we witness a starkly different beast: they are clearly unwilling to merely repackage the same sound in attempt to shift units and this provides mixed results. 'The Understanding' is surprising in that you genuinely hear Royksopp taking the listener on a journey that visits places we didn't expect (and at times didn't want) to go to. A haunting piano melody starts the album off nicely with the instrumental Triumphant, the array of sounds building up splendidly until the beats kick in. The gorgeous single Only This Moment sees Royksopp reinterpreting the sound pioneered by the Pet Shop Boys, but 49 Percent is a failed attempt at 2-step, complete with excessive treble and irritating Prince-like vocals. In contrast, Royksopp have choosen their vocalist wisely for What Else Is There?: Karin Dreijer's strong European accent and varied vocal delivery is captivating, layered over a rich electronic sound that supports her voice without stealing the limelight. Alpha Male starts with gentle lingering keys but after two minute of relaxed beats it picks up the pace and transforms into the kind of track I'd expect to find on a Chemical Brothers' album. The album also contains delightfully dreamy tracks like Dead To The World whose ethereal approach could easily have been spliced into their previous masterpiece. It might not quite live up to its predecessor, but 'The Understanding' is still a solid and worthwhile album.  |
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