Albums: Röyksopp / The Decemberists

Röyksopp: Junior

Written by Hannah Barrett.

Junior is an album which is hard to resist. Forget the mundane offerings of current electronica darlings such as La Roux; the Norwegian duo provide something a whole lot more original. With the exception of the catchy but derivative 'Happy Up Here', this album shows Röyksopp truly developing their sound and producing their best album yet. What makes it so successful is the perfect balance between their harder edgier electro songs and the ambient soothing tracks that made their name in the first place. The standout track without a doubt is 'The Girl and the Robot', a sharply produced combination of synths and strings with vocals by Robyn. Whilst you may think that the quirky lyrics about a girl’s love for a cyborg may be a hard sell, in fact the oddness of it all only adds to its appeal.

The duo have chosen wisely with their other collaborators on this album who include Lykke Li and the Knife singer Karin Dreijer. Lykke Li’s delicate vocals are perfectly suited to the sombre 'Miss It So Much' while Dreijer’s is most impressive on the atmospheric 'You Don’t Have A Clue'. However there are some tracks which have been less successful. For example, 'This Must Be It', is very repetitive and ultimately cannot sustain your attention despite the interesting vocals. Overall however, Junior is an album that shows just how capable Röyksopp are and leaves you excited for their next album, Senior, due later this year.

Röyksopp: Official | MySpace | on Spotify

The Decemberists: The Hazards of Love

Written by Kristian Shaw.

Singer Colin Meloy was always going to have trouble matching the bands 2006 breakthrough album, The Crane Wife, which was so praised by reviewers and fans alike. The subtle melodies of their earlier work gives way here to a Southern alt-rock twang, assisted by sultry vocals and a lonesome pedal steel on the opening tracks. However, one could argue the scope of The Hazards of Love far surpasses any previous efforts by the Portland band, as they opt for a concept album that rivals the work of their much-admired predecessors, Pink Floyd.

Although the mystical narrative involving the lovers William and Margaret sporadically detracts attention from the beautiful, underlying arpeggios throughout the title track, Meloy must be praised for his efforts in tackling such a grandiose album that swiftly moves through more musical genres than it really ought to. 'The Queen’s Rebuke/The Crossing' is worthy of particular mention, as guitarist Chris Funk seamlessly fuses heavy prog-rock tendencies with sluggish, yet razor-sharp metal riffing. Similarly, multi-instrumentalist Robyn Hitchcock appears on the instrumental interlude, providing the perfect balance of phrasing and timing – and thus proving only Eric Johnson could rival his tonality on the guitar.

Unfortunately, the bright, jangly melodies that exemplify The Decemberists are absent here, and the popular, sing-along choruses are replaced by prolonged, yet witty, wordplay. Although The Hazards of Love is not the band's best work to date, it will still obviously surpass the efforts of any English band this year.

The Decemberists: Official | MySpace | on Spotify

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