One record at a time: 394. Röyksopp - Profound Mysteries III

The final album in the "Profound Mysteries" trilogy welcomes back all the same vocalists as previous entries and is augmented by a couple of instrumentals. 

To my ears, much of this album seems to take inspiration from the work of other artists. The introduction to opening track "So Ambiguous" sounds like it was beamed back from the seventies and the collaboration with Alison Goldfrapp called "The Night" leans heavily into Kraftwerk beats. The faux R&B vibes of "Just Wanted To Know" are fun and "Like an Old Dog" reminds me of Laurie Anderson (but with melody).

Where the album succeeds best is when the band revert to their own distinctive sound and "Me&Youphoria" is more akin to what I expect. The 'hands in the air' excitement of "Feel It" is hard to resist and the ten minute ride of "Speed King" proves to be a real joy. The only dull spots are "Lights Out" with Pixx and the disappointing "The Next Day" in which Jamie Irrepressible warbles away to himself for four minutes. 

All in all there is more to like on this record than the second one, but I still think there is a case to be made for creating two playlists to summarise this box set. Personally I would like to hear a 'bangers' top ten and a downtempo collection that cuts out some of the more maudlin moments. But as a whole, this project should be considered a great success and I look forward to more Röyksopp albums sorry... 'projects'. 4/5

One record at a time: 393. Röyksopp - Profound Mysteries II

Part II of the "Profound Mysteries" album series is the same mix of bangers, downtempo grooves and ambient soundscapes we found on the first instalment.

Once again there are a number of collaborations with vocalists as Astrid S, Pixx and Susanne Sundfør all return for another trip around the Röyksopp universe. After a brief pause Jamie Irrepressible is also back to sing on the track "Sorry".

For me the highlight of the album is "Unity" which is a track that contains a break beat and a thumping house piano - but this is no dumb four-on-the-floor behemoth. Karen Harding adds a wonderful vocal that is complimented by a great mix from Svein and Torbjørn.

Fan favourite "Oh, Lover" with Susanne Sundfør is quintessential Röyksopp and harks back to the sound of previous albums (and the criminally ignored single "Never Ever"). Less successful is the dreary ballad "Tell Him" which is uninteresting and predictable. Of the four instrumental tracks on the album, "Remembering the Departed" and "Some Resolve" are a rather nondescript but "Denimclad Baboons" and "Control" prove to be very entertaining.

I find it interesting that the band have included tracks that range from storming dance numbers to ambient washes; it's almost like they are trying to structure a cohesive album rather than a 'conceptual project'. For me this record is slightly less successful than Part I as its quieter moments aren't as engaging. Side D is a particularly dull affair in which the album just seems to limp along until its demise - but the more uptempo numbers here justify a decent score. 3/5

One record at a time: 392. Röyksopp - Profound Mysteries I

Röyksopp have chosen to maintain the pretence that they don't release conventional albums by calling "Profound Mysteries" a 'conceptual project'. 

In reality, this is a series of three albums that saw staggered release dates before finally being collected together in a box set. As I didn't buy this set until it was included in a Black Friday deal in 2024, mine is from the second pressing. Today I will be looking at Part I of the set which is a ten track album split across two discs.

By the time "Profound Mysteries" was released, eight years had passed since their last album. However, the first track "(Nothing But) Ashes..." has all of the usual Röyksopp motifs and characteristics that provide us with reassurance they have retained their unique sound. 

Things really kick off with the first collaboration on this album titled, "Impossible". Alison Goldfrapp sounds totally at home with the grinding analogue synths and lush pads as the song builds to a quite remarkable crescendo. This song is also included on Alison's superb album "The Love Invention" but it was edited down to half its length and the longer version heard here is much more satisfying. This song is utterly brilliant, and for me, it comes close to some sort of electronic music perfection.

Other successful collaborations are with vocalists Beki Mari on "This Time, This Place" and Astrid S on "Breathe". Both of these songs are spine-tingling electronic confections that can satisfy the dance floor whilst simultaneously engaging your brain. Songs like "How the Flowers Grow" and the instrumental "There, Beyond the Trees" are more reflective and offer slightly downtempo grooves to create breathing space between the more frenetic tracks. 4/5

One record at a time: 391. Röyksopp - Lost Tapes

In 2019 Röyksopp began curating a Spotify playlist that contained rare B-sides and previously unreleased tracks. By the summer of 2021 fifteen tracks had been added to the playlist and it had attracted enough interest to tempt the band into releasing some of the songs on physical formats. I say 'some of the songs' as the last 5 entries on the playlist weren't included on this record and are only available on digital formats. Who knows - maybe we will have a volume two one day?

There was something about the decision to create "Lost Tapes" that led me to believe Röyksopp's stance of no longer releasing traditional albums wasn't as resolute as we were led to believe. You could argue that as a compilation this doesn't fit the definition of a traditional album - but this really would be splitting hairs. I celebrated this record for what it was: a new album from Röyksopp.

The instrumental "Rising Urge" was a hidden track on some pressings of the "The Inevitable End" compact disc but I had never heard it until this compilation came along. This track is electrifying and proves to be a perfect atmospheric introduction. We get our dancing shoes on for "I Wanna Know" which was previously released via the band's website in 2010. This song has a electroclash feel with a great melody but its relentless nature can be a little overbearing at times. There's much more dynamic contrast in songs such as "In The End" or even "I Just Don't Understand You" which are more refined to my ears.

The very thought of Röyksopp and Susanne Sundfør covering Depeche Mode's classic b-side "Ice Machine" was enough to set electronic music fans salivating back in 2012. However the track wasn't really made widely available and it took on a mildly legendary status as a result. And its reputation is well deserved as it is both faithful to the original and offers a unique take on the song.

For me the fourteen minutes of "Shores of Easy" is a mesmerising experience that deserves to be turned up high and given your full attention. I like these long form pieces and wish Röyksopp would peruse them more. Tracks like this and "Rescue" almost follow in the tradition of Jarre, Vangelis and Mike Oldfield and give a much broader canvas for the band to play out their ideas.

Until I began listening to Röyksopp's back catalogue for this blog I don't think I really appreciated just how much I like them. Make no mistake, this band are electronic music royalty and I have a feeling I will be listening to them much more going forwards. 4/5

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. There's not a lot to like in this song's childish profanity and its boring repetition means I skip it every 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.

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

One record at a time: 386. Röyksopp - Melody A.M.

Sometime in the early two thousands I had become aware of a group called Röyksopp as one of their songs was featured on a TV advertisement. When a friend played me another of their tracks called "Eple" I decided to buy their debut album "Melody A.M.". 

However, I had a very had time finding the compact disc in the shops and ended up having to buy a costly import. Thankfully I liked the album enough to justify the expense and became an admirer of the band. 

Fast forward twenty years and the band's official website conformed the album would be re-released as a numbered "20 year anniversary edition" - I ordered it immediately. This record is split across two slabs of vinyl and features nine tracks. The compact disc actually contained ten tracks but "40 years back / Come" is omitted and the running order has been changed. However, all of these differences are carried over from the original 2001 pressing, so you could argue this record is offering an authentic experience. The vinyl itself is very quiet and sounds very good indeed (I didn't need to check the credits to know it was pressed by Optimal Media).

"So Easy" and "Eple" will be well known to anyone who had a pair of working ears and lived between the years 2000 and 2005 as they seemed to be heard everywhere. Personally I think "Röyksopp's Night Out" is a masterpiece that offers wonderful complexity and intricacy whilst remaining accessible. Another favourite of mine is "Poor Leno" which features Erlend Øye on vocals. When I went to see Röyksopp live it was this song that blew the roof off the venue and got every single person in the room dancing. There aren't many albums that have stood the test of time as well as this one - it sounds like it was created yesterday. 4/5

P.S. Also of interest is the promo LP which had hand printed artwork by the then relatively unknown street artist Banksy. There are only 100 of them and they seem to command rather silly prices on the second hand market. Still, Discogs says only 80 people have said they own one - so if you happen to have a copy in your attic do drop me a line.

What is going on?

What is going on? In the middle of last year we were led to believe that Royksopp's new album "Senior" would be the stunning but quiet and introspective counterpoint to the dance pop of "Junior" only to find it was a distinctly underwhelming experience.

Now another major mover in the world of electronic music has fallen from my grace in a more spectacular fashion. With the release of "Delicacies" Simian Mobile Disco seem to have circumvented any quality control and just released their demo's and called it a new album. As one of my friends said of the album recently: "Where are the tunes?"

"Delicacies" seems to have followed "Temporary Pleasure" after an indecently short period of time and alarm bells began to ring when the release schedule included a mixed version of the album as if it was easily reduced to a DJ set; not exactly a marker of quality in my book. Whilst Royksopp's "Senior" was at least well produced and original, "Delicacies" sounds like a flick through the demo's of any other Sounclick bound bedroom failure (this includes myself you understand).

I think my reason for disliking this album are more intense as I loved "Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release" and "Temporary Pleasure" showed some promise for the future. We all knew this new album was going to be "techno based" but hell, we didn't realise there were to be no tunes. Writing songs with a good groove is one thing, but writing them with a good tune has always been quite another.

"Delicacies" is one of those albums that is produced by a band who have lost direction. Self indulgent, uninteresting and repetitive; "Delicacies" is one dish I can happily refuse.

Royksopp Live: Everything is beautiful

Seeing bands live is often an underwhelming experience. What annoys me especially about electronic musicians playing live is their use of acoustic drums or guitars that don’t feature on the recordings. Not so with Norwegian band Royksopp. As the duo walked on stage it was clear that only one cymbal and an inaudible bass guitar would sully an evening of electronic entertainment. And boy did they entertain.

The rather lacklustre intro of “Royksopp Forever” with its unintentionally distorted bass and plodding rhythm was soon banished by “Happy Up Here” (once someone remembered to turn Karin’s microphone on) and a string of high energy tracks built the crowd into the frenzy that was “Poor Leno”. My clothes shook with the bass, my face had a big grin and I remembered how good electronic dance music can make you feel.

Rather than just play the majority of their tracks in their album form they chose to play remixed and altered versions which were, in the main, far superior in the live context. Despite the inaudible bass guitarist (who couldn’t help himself and proceeded to prance around the stage in typical rock n’ roll fashion) they were the personification of cool stood behind their synths and decks with broad smiles that said they were as happy to be there as we were.

My happiness was further enhanced by the fact that Royksopp have by far the most beautiful female fans of any band I have ever been to see.  A beautiful evening indeed.