Röyksopp

If ever an album sounded like its title, Röyksopp's debut would it. Lying somewhere between a three a.m. dance club and a six a.m. bedroom, Melody A.M. is the perfect antidote for a night in or out. Created by the Norwegian duo of Svein Berge and Torbjørn Brundtland, the sounds of Röyksopp stray between funky acid house, Arctic dub and ambient film music. A soundtrack to a night of dancing and watching the Northern Lights with a group of your closest friends in the dead of winter. Never mind the fact that it begins with a slick sample of Bobby Vinton singing "Blue On Blue" mixed into some killer beats, or the infectious bleepity single, "Eple," that follows, this album is strong right through to the very sweet and tranquil end. Fellow Norwegian and composed character Erlend Øye (Kings of Convenience) even helps out his friends by contributing vocals on two tracks, which brings an absolute calm to the ears. Forget Norwegian death metal, with Kings of Convenience and now Röyksopp, Norway has found its new scene, one filled with clouds, trees, birds and fresh, crisp air. A much more peaceful scene compared to the murder and church burnings of the other one, wouldn't you say?