One record at a time: 387. Röyksopp - The Understanding

Having enjoyed their debut it was inevitable that I would buy Röyksopp's second album "The Understanding". As usual I originally purchased the compact disc back in 2005 and this double LP came along much later in 2014. Like "Melody A.M.", this vinyl mirrors the original pressing as it has a different running order to the CD. As this vinyl was made by Optimal Media it sounds pretty much flawless, but I would have liked just a little more bass to make it perfect.

Things kick off with the magnificent "Only This Moment" in which we hear Svein and Torbjørn singing for the first time. There are lots of indicators the band began to feel more confident on this record, but the presence of their vocals is probably the biggest signal. The atmospheric "49 percent" follows soon after with brilliant vocals and lyrics provided by Chelonis R. Jones. The first side of the first record rounds out perfectly with "Beautiful Day Without You" which provides some excellent downtempo vibes to compliment the more frenetic sounds that preceded it.

Elsewhere we hear "What Else Is There?" in which Swedish vocalist Karin Dreijer sings some slightly strange lyrics over a brilliant synth-pop backing track. Hearing "Triumphant" on the final side is a little strange when you are accustomed to it opening the CD, but the music is so good it doesn't spoil the experience. And if "Alpha Male" isn't one of the best slices of electronic music ever created then I will eat my hat. 4/5