Upon initial listens to this ‘What Else Is There?’ you’d be forgiven for feeling a touch disorientated and disappointed with this release from Royksopp’s latest album, ‘The Understanding’. The majority of followers initially anticipated sounds akin to Melody AM, hence the reason why eight to nine tracks out of the eleven have often been overlooked since it hit the shops. However, after a few listens and like a good single malt, it improves with time and grows fonder to the heart.
The main female vocalist sounds uncannily like the angelic Icelandic, Bjork and is a sure grower. It features lush acoustic guitars, haunting piano chords and strings – a true gem. Fair enough, this single doesn’t continue in the same vain as the aforementioned Melody AM but the shift in direction is evident and comes as a welcoming and refreshing change that has made their whole aura more accessible, yet on a more complex plane.
Royksopp certainly seem to be sailing in the right direction with a new darker feel to their sound as opposed to Melody AM’s bouncy and chirpy ride-a-long tracks like, You Remind Me and Eple. The difference is therefore for all to see, better production and a fuller all round sound that is more engaging.
I think I better check out the album before everyone starts talking about it!
