The Understanding

Norwegian duo Röyksopp return with a highly anticipated new album this summer. Entitled The Understanding, it follows Svein and Torbjørn’s critically acclaimed debut album Melody AM. Recorded in Bergen, Röyksopp sing on much of their new album. There are also additional vocals from Chelonis R Jones from Get Physical Records (“49 Percent”), Karin Dreijer from The Knife (“What Else Is There?”) and new vocalist Kate Havnevik (“Only This Moment” and “Circuit Breaker”).
After the success of their debut album, Norwegian electronic duo Royksopp must have known they’d have their work cut out for them on The Understanding. After all, Melody A.M. was that rare electronic album that appealed to fans regardless of their musical tastes, with its catchy playfulness and well-crafted songs. The Understanding is less laid back than their previous album, but it’s no less catchy or clever. If anything, The Understanding sounds like Royksopp have spent much of the time since their last album soaking in the continental sounds of bands like Air. The result is a dance album that’s surprisingly heavy on vocals, most of them by the duo themselves. But, in time-honoured dance tradition, there are also a bevy of female vocalists on hand, including Karin Dreijer from The Knife (“What Else Is There?”) and new collaborator Kate Havnevik (single “Only This Moment” and “Circuit Breaker”). The Understanding is a much more grown-up album from Royksopp–it’s not dance music for the kids, but an album for after the kids have gone to bed. –Ted Kord