January 31st, 2007

Royksopp, Ya Don’t Stop

» Posted in Music Reviews at 6:37 am

The Norwegian electronic duo Royksopp is a bit more popular over in the UK, but I’m guessing all y’all Yanks can dig it. While a lot of their music is deep electronic, it’s hard to categorize their work. The stuff below is on that downbeat tip, though, and they both have a similar trademark of building towards a climax.

“Triumphant” kicks of with a simple piano melody, gradually adding a variety of sounds, some electronic, some familiar instruments. As the melody is periodically reintroduced with subtle changes, it gains in enthusiasm which each new form until it climaxes in a mood of - well, triumph. It plateaus in that state and does a good job carrying on the mood until its finish.

The more heavily electronic and less melodic “Night Out” revolves around a driving, progressive rhythm that continually builds in intensity. But the climax hits mid song, where it leads into a bit of funk while still continuing with its central rhythm. The only let down is the last minute, when they bring back the first section when they could have introduced something new. While the melodies are simple - slight variations on the previous bar - Royksopp switches it up enough to keep it interesting.

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