A separate universe, one might call it? I close my eyes and put on a pair of pants. Being enveloped by fog and colors, drums and synths. It’s poundingly deep and fluidly light, it’s melodic and harmonic, it’s dark, and it’s light. Perhaps I am slightly influenced by the title, but yes, I would definitely call it a mysterious universe to be in. Röyksopp is back, this time with the third and last album in the series “Profound Mysteries”. The trilogy is perhaps the duo’s most epic and ambitious project to date. The music stretches both backwards and forwards in time, and tries to unravel everything that is, has been and will be: Röyksopp. THE END OF VISA: The albums in the “Profound Mysteries” trilogy were released at regular intervals during 2022. Now the project is complete. Photo: Stian Andersen Vocals for decoration I’m generally quite a song- and text-focused type, and it’s often this aspect that attracts or displeases me when I hear new music. But that does not apply here. For me, most of the vocals on this record are almost just decoration. It’s nice, but not necessary – it’s the instrumental that captures and penetrates the body. Marked and prominent drum beats are the engine, while a wide flora of synths carry the melodic train forward. On several of the songs, you can just sit back and enjoy the liberating chord sequences and the well-composed harmonies, the thick and broad synth riffs that scratch you in just the right places, and the symphonic craftsmanship that unfolds. The production is juicy, playful and refined, and it is here – in the electronic finesse – that Röyksopp is at his best. It’s not really that strange, really. After all, they have been doing this for 24 years. VETERANS: Röyksopp consists of the Tromsø duo Torbjørn Brundtland and Svein Berge, who formed the group in 1998. Photo: Hilde Bjørnskau / news Marks they have enjoyed themselves The record starts strongly with the song “So Ambiguous”, a thoroughly delicious and melodically satisfying song that reminiscent of the French electronica duo Air in the late nineties. It’s the perfect kick-off, I land safely and softly in the music, with bare toes and high expectations. Whether these are fulfilled completely, I am not so sure, but there is a lot to like here. “The Night”, for example, which dances me into a kind of suggestive synth trance, or “Lights out”, which envelops me in beautiful, warm and comforting harmonies. And then the highlight: “Speed King”. An over nine-minute long instrumental foundation, which probably tends towards deep house/techno, or in any case something at the heavier end of electronica. Here I notice that the two have enjoyed themselves, and I appreciate that. A couple of the songs are of the more forgettable kind, although they blend nicely into the crowd, and some others are too pop for me. But there is definitely no shortage of young guests: Susanne Sundfør and Jamie Irrepressible (who have gradually become regulars), in addition to Alison Goldfrapp, Astrid S, Pixx and Morissa Rose. OLD FAMOUS: Röyksopp features Susanne Sundfør on the song “Stay Awhile”. The collaboration between the artists already started in 2014. Requires a generous ear What may be challenging about this record, and indeed the entire “Profound Mysteries” trilogy, is that it requires a generous ear. It could be imagined that many will either fall for the more easy-to-eat pop songs, or the heavier and more electronically rooted songs. I’m probably in the camp of the latter, and will probably skip songs like “Me&Youphoria” and “Just Wanted to Know” when I listen to the album in the future. At the same time, all three albums show that Berge and Brundtland have simply made what they want to make, and not let themselves be locked in too much of the conceptual stuff. And you have to respect that. Therefore, I am primarily curious about what, how and who this affects. A unique sound On a global basis, there isn’t exactly a shortage of male duos that deal with electronica, but this particular edition I believe has earned its place and passed year after year with good reason. They have created a unique sound that they have managed to maintain, at the same time as they play around and try things out in several directions. So even if it was only a strong four on the dice, I have to say I’m rooting for Röyksopp, and hope they give us even more of what they’re best at in the future. news reviews Photo: Warner Music Artist: Röyksopp Title: “Profound Mysteries III” Genre: Elektronika Date: 18 November 2022 Record company: Warner Tracklist: “So Ambiguous” feat. Jamie Irrepressible “Me&Youphoria” “Stay Awhile” feat. Susanne Sundför “The Night” feat. Alison Goldfrapp “Lights Out” feat. Pixx “Speed King” “The Next Day” feat. Jamie Irrepressible “Just Wanted To Know” feat. Astrid S “Feel It” feat. Maurissa Rose “Like An Old Dog” feat. Pixx
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“Profound Mysteries III” by Röyksopp – Reviews and recommendations
