They make a bit of a retreat to form more pop flavored tunes complimented by their own slice of electronica. "A Beautiful Day Without You" slides in as the brightest light steering the album. It is a rich melody, airy and fluid. The chorus sings "living under guard/wind is on my neck/sun is on my face/a beautiful day without you." The rhythms create the feeling of driving up the coast on a sunny day, top down trying to let the pain of a broken relationship be swept away in the whipping wind. "Only This Moment" tries the same formula, yet doesn't feel as weightless and free. "Someone Like Me" fares much better, supported on an enticing array of trance beats that prove an irresistible force.
The Understanding takes on the dreaded sophomore album with great skill and determination, ultimately surpassing their highly impressive debut. They've honed their unique sound to further separate their slick melodies from groups like Air and Thievery Corporation. They've also incorporated some new features to keep the mix alluring. It is a very impressive effort that leaves you hesistant to leave this plush cosmic universe Royksopp has created. Though as good as The Understanding is, Royksopp is still a group in the process of evolution. After breathing in each of their works, you sense that this is simply the beginning of a journey that doesn't seem to have an ending. It is one not traveled on the ground, but suspended in an air of sound, lush and delicious. I can't wait until they return to send us on the next leg of the odyssey.
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Article comments
1 - Sterfish
Great review. I loved this album as well and I think it's one of the best albums I've listened to this year. I hope it isn't overlooked come Grammy time...at least not in its genre category, anyway.
2 - Mark Runyon
Thanks. Hopefully now that this album has a US release date (September 7th), it can build up some good press to allow them to gain a wider audience like they have already done on the other side of the pond.
3 - Bob A. Booey
Good stuff. Review more house/dance music.
That is all.
4 - visualsimplicity
Mark, this album was released in the US back in July I believe. By the way, I absolutely love "What Else Is There".
5 - Mark Runyon
You're right. I was thinking about another album on import I recently wrote up. Too much music to keep up with, but I guess there are worse problems to have.