Chilled out Norwegian duo Royksopp have confirmed details of their forthcoming album 'Senior'.
Royksopp have managed that rare trick of taking probing electronic music into the mainstream. Chilled out and melodic, the duo's productions retain traces of their origins on the Norwegian dance scene.
Returning with new album 'Junior' last year Royksopp have now confirmed a follow up. 'Senior' is the flipside of the duo's production, a more mature effort which lacks the frenetic energy of last year's collection.
Completely instrumental, it is a brooding, at times quite dark album with 'Senior' boasting plenty of icy synths.
In a statement Royksopp compared the two albums, but underlined that they should be appreciated as two very different works. "The two albums ('Junior' and 'Senior') have a kinship, in that they represent 's two very different artistic expressions," the group said in a statement.
"'Junior' - with emphasis on vocals, accessible melodies and harmonies, has the energy, the inquisitive temper and confident "hey-ho, let's go!"-attitude of youth, whereas 'Senior' is the introverted, dwelling and sometimes graceful counterpart - brimful with dark secrets and distorted memories, insisting 'I'm old, I've got experience...'."
Amongst the themes explored on the new album are growing old and, somewhat bizarrely, horses. "'Senior' is furthermore an album about age, horses and being subdued - with devils breathing down your neck."
In addition to a new album, Royksopp have confirmed their first London gig in some time as well as an appearance at dance event Get Loaded In The Park.
Royksopp are due to release 'Senior' on September 13th. Tracklisting:
'...And The Forest Began To Sing'
'Tricky Two'
'The Alcoholic'
'Senior Living'
'The Drug'
'Forsaken Cowboy'
'The Fear'
'Coming Home'
'A Long, Long Way'