One record at a time: 390. Röyksopp - The Inevitable End

Even with a title as manifest as "The Inevitable End" I never really believed this was going to be the final album by Röyksopp. When I look back to the events of 2014, Svein and Torbjørn were never really clear on what their plan was beyond saying, "we won't make any more traditional albums", therefore it didn't really come as a surprise when they eventually resumed releasing records and the whole thing turned out to be a bit of a fuss over nothing.

I bought this record on the day it was released and I have loved it from the first time I heard it. There's so much variety and contrast in these songs that it is almost impossible to become bored. There are one or two more introspective and melancholy moments that are a little drawn-out, but generally everything here is catchy and succinct.

There can be no doubt that Röyksopp are one of few electronic groups that have a unique sound and those singular characteristics are woven into all of these songs. My favourite on this album is a superb collaboration with Jamie Irrepressible called "I Had This Thing" which emerges from a tender chrysalis into a soaring anthem. Another joint effort with Irrepressible titled "Here She Comes Again" is also worthy of praise as is the collaboration with Robyn titled "Monument". However the second effort with Robyn titled "Rong" sounds like some sort of angry adolescent chant that conveys nothing. There's nothing to like in this song and its childish profanity and boring repetition mean I skip it every single time. 

Happily there are many more great songs on this record with opening track "Skulls", the excellent single "Sordid Affair" and "Running to the Sea" with Susanne Sundfør being stand outs. The coda of the album features a couple of downtempo songs that allow things to wind down as the band say their goodbyes. 4/5

One record at a time: 389. Röyksopp - Senior

"Senior" is an instrumental album containing downtempo tracks that act as a counterpoint to preceding album "Junior". Prior to its release I remember reading rumours of this album's existence, but for some reason I assumed it would never see the light of day. So when this record was finally made available in 2010 I was quite surprised.

If you have become accustomed to the frenetic dance rhythms of previous entries in the Röyksopp back catalogue it can take a minute to retune your ears and enjoy this record, but it is worth the effort. 

Much of this album could be classified as ambient or experimental and, in a way, it reminds of some of Jean Michel Jarre's more atmospheric moments.The pieces that really catch your ear on this album are "The Drug" and "The Fear". Also worthy of mention is "Tricky Two " which takes the cut "Tricky Tricky" from the previous album and excises the vocal to great effect. 

As well as the layers of synths there are lots of acoustic drums, electric bass and guitar used on this album but, much like Röyksopp's other work, these instruments compliment the electronics rather than clash with them. This 2018 repressing of the vinyl the usual high quality cut created by Optimal Media and is very sympathetic to the music. 3.5/5

One record at a time: 388. Röyksopp - Junior

At one time Röyksopp's music was seemingly omnipresent. Everywhere I went in 2009 I heard the single "Happy Up Here" and it burrowed it's way into my brain until my purchase of  "Junior" became inevitable. I went on to buy this double LP when it was repressed in 2014 and, as with all Röyksopp vinyl, it sounds very good indeed.

I have become so accustomed to the jaunty tones of "Happy Up Here" serving as an introduction to the album that the brooding tones of "Röyksopp Forever" come as a surprise when listening to the vinyl. However, make no mistake this is one of the best tracks on this album and it never fails to impress me with its superb string arrangement and laconic bass.

There some great vocal tracks on this record with the single "The Girl and the Robot" and "True to Life" being my favourites. I'm not a fan of "Miss It So Much" and the terrible lyrics on "Tricky Tricky" ruin the song. So whilst here are many great tracks on this album, it isn't as consistent as its two predecessors and I do not enjoy it quite as much as a result. 3/5

P.S. It has been brought to my attention that I am wasting time writing the band name with an umlaut as this mark isn't used in the Norwegian language. So I will state that I am just trying to follow the same convention established by the band and am aware this is just an aesthetic choice.