Four long years after the release of The Understanding, Röyksopp is back with their a album Junior. As a mix of their last two records, according to Röyksopp, Junior once again showcases the duo’s talents with adventurous experiments in electroland. This time however, Röyksopp brought along a little help from their Scandinavian friends.
The album begins with the lead-off single, “Happy Up Here.” The track was released in January of this year, two months before Junior’s release. Not only is this track one of the best on the record, but it also spawned the creation a hugely successful music video in February. The whole video consists of panning shots of a suburban cityscape of buildings lit with florescent light bulbs. During the video, the bulbs transform into 3D versions of the aliens from the Space Invaders. If you love the song, I’m willing to bet that you’ll dig the music video will be even more.
Track two, “The Girl and the Robot,” is sung by Robin Miriam Carlsson, better known as the Swedish pop queen Robyn. Her strong, classy vocals create a delightful contrast with the powerful supporting beat. “The Girl and the Robot” is a club hit in the making; just wait for the remix DJs to get their hands on it.
Anneli Drecker does the vocals for three tracks on the album. The Norwegian singer/actress lends her voice for “Vision One,” “You Don't Have a Clue” and “True to Life.” Of course, Drecker is no stranger to Röyksopp tracks, as the duo employed her vocal stylings on Melody A.M.’s “Sparks.” Her dreamy voice in combination with the electrifying pulse that is Röyksopp will definitely turn you on.
Another familiar voice on Junior comes from Karin Dreijer Andersson, who you might know as the lead-singer of a little band called The Knife. Back in 2005, Dreijer was featured on The Understanding, where she did the vocals for “What Else Is There.” On this record, Andersson takes care of the vocal work for “This Must Be It” and “Tricky Tricky.” The former track carries an uptempo melody with an almost trancy feel. It’s easily one of most energetic songs on the whole of Junior. “Tricky Tricky” is another high powered track that relies on Röyksopp’s use of a snythed-out keyboard melody.
After producing her debut album Youth Novels last year, Lykke Li, a Swedish indie singer, is also featured on Junior. Her cute vocals add a charming and upbeat feel to “Miss It So Much,” which is probably the sweetest track Röyksopp have ever created.
For all you Röyksopp fans who have waited the four long years for this album to drop, there is good news. Not only is this album the duo’s best yet, but it is actually only the first part of this year’s releases! A follow up on Junior, entitled Senior is due in the second half of this year. It promises to be more introspective and atmospheric than Junior. So, ladies and gentlemen, be sure to grab and enjoy Junior now and be on the lookout for Senior in the fall!
Track List
1. Happy Up Here 2:43
2. The Girl And The Robot 4:28
3. Vision One 4:59
4. This Must Be It 4:41
5. Röyksopp Forever 4:59
6. Miss It So Much 5:01
7. Tricky Tricky 5:58
8. You Don't Have A Clue 4:33
9. Silver Cruiser 4:36
10. True To Life 5:50
11. It's What I Want 3:06
