Sneak Peek: Röyksopp "The Understanding"

In their home country of Norway, Röyksopp was hailed as one of the most popular pop bands of 2004 by gay magazine Blikk. A good indication of how the band's distinct electro-pop has emerged from obscurity to the diverse pop mainstream. In the vein of Mylo, Air and Zero 7, the duo of Torbjørn Brundtland and Svein Berge made a lasting impression with their debut "Melody A.M." The CD became a European sensation after its release in 2001, and spun off the hit "Eple." 

On their sophomore effort "The Understanding," the two Nordic hipsters continue to walk the fine line between infectious dance pop and lush electronica. CD highlights are the catchy "Only This Moment," the cinematographic "Triumphant" and the high-velocity "Alpha Male."

As opposed to their debut, the duo has written more songs following a traditional pop format and even included their own vocals on some of the tracks. "We adopted a traditional pop format, which was not so traditional to us," says Brundtland in an exclusive interview with Arjan Writes in May. "We were used to sitting around in the studio and coming up with these cool sounds and visions. We have evolved to think and work like pop musicians on this new album."

Proof that Torbjørn Brundtland knows how to think like a pop musician is his work with fellow-Norwegian Annie. Brundtland wrote and produced several songs for "Anniemal" including her single "Heartbeat."

"The Understanding" will hit stores on July 12. In the meaning check out an audio and video stream of the duo's new single "Only This Moment."

Watch Röyksopp "Only This Moment"
Listen to Röyksopp "Only This Moment"