Royksopp – Senior
[Wall Of Sound, 2010]
The new Royksopp album is a follower to the last year’s Junior. The instrumental Senior is like another side of its predecessor. Written in darker tone, it breathes differently from Junior, but also in the same manner. Tricky Two mirrors Tricky, in the same restless tone, but without vocals and with enhanced intensity. The Alcoholic is lighter, at the same time reminiscent of Kraftwerk or something of the kind from the ’70s. There’s something on Senior from Air melodics, some elfish wisdom. It’s especially advanced on Senior Living and Forsaken Cowboy. A thought-provoking and lonesome album. By the end it goes toward beautiful and slowing down ambient.
The only problem with Senior is that it’s almost impossible to view without Junior in mind. Well, it’s not necessary a problem. It as if amplifies the effect of its more pop brother, like a cover of an old movie. But here it’s more like a cultured indie version of some Hollywood film.
Coming Home, Senior Living or A Long, Long Way – the titles alone bring to mind life experience and wisdom that comes with age. However, the two albums were recorded at the same time, and only conceptually released with a year difference. That’s also why it’s hard to regard the second one without the first.
Senior is the introvert brother of a jumpy and open Junior. It requires peacefulness and solitude, and in return will provide you with clear mind, focus and, if you’re lucky, wisdom.
