I admit. The first time I heard Röyksopp, it was during a Geico commercial featuring the obligatory caveman standing on an airport walkway as “Remind Me” plays in the background. But the group proved to be no hokey one-hit wonder, and I’ve been a fan of their mellow dance beats and eclectic music videos ever since.
“Junior,” the third album from this Norwegian duo, dropped March 23 and did not disappoint. Along with a solid set of tracks, it spotlights a host of talented Swedish musicians, including Robyn and Lykke Li. These two help round out the album and add an extra pinch of distinctiveness to the already strong album.
“Junior” starts off, appropriately so, with the playful and carefree single, “Happy Up Here.” Röyksopp has always been great go-to music for chilling out, but this track is one of those great catchy, get-ready-to-start-the-day songs you’d want to blast. Staying true to their love of experimentation with a variety of music video stylizations, the accompanying video brings together beautiful visual effects, typography and honorable references to Space Invaders — things many art students can appreciate. (Video available at: www.royksopp.com/videos/happy-up-here.)
Röyksopp has definitely polished their sound since their last release three years ago, but they still manage to stay true to their roots. “Vision One” harks back to the sound found on their debut album, 2001’s “Melody A.M.,” but with a newer, deeper, richer feel to it.
“Silver Cruiser” falls in line with some of the group’s tranquil instrumental tracks.
“Junior” also succeeds in blending some relatively melancholy lyrics with some of Röyksopp’s signature dance-worthy beats.
Anneli Drecker sings along in kind on “You Don’t Have a Clue,” which has bittersweet undertones set with a restrained, yet beautiful, thumping beat.
Lykke Li sings in sad sweetness on “Miss It So Much” — “I miss it so much/no button to touch/no dial to turn/no key to hold” — which mixes a subdued, bouncy base line collectively with her airy, lilting voice.
If you’re searching for something appetizing, whether you want to just dance or lose yourself in a project while listening to music, Röyksopp’s “Junior” caters to a variety of musical tastes. And if “Junior” did anything for your palate, be sure to check out the accompanying album, “Senior,” scheduled for release this fall.