Do It Again and Again and Again, Please: Do It Again by Royksopp and Robyn

Robyn and Royksopp Robyn and Royksopp

What do you get when you add Royksopp’s hazy, electronic, jazz with Robyn’s offbeat, in your face, pop? The dreamy and spirited “Do It Again”, the collaborative mini-album from three of the most innovative artists in the Scandinavian music scene.

Robyn and Royksopp

Robyn and Royksopp

The story behind the album is simple. While writing and recording music together the Norwegian duo and Swedish songstress discovered they created something not quite Royksopp but not quite Robyn either. It was something entirely different. Thus “Do It Again” was born.

Royksopp’s signature sound is recognizable throughout the album as is Robyn’s undeniable energy, however part way through the first song, the moody and winding “Monument”, it appears the whole is greater than the sum of its parts, and “Do It Again” is unlike past collaborations: “The Girl and The Robot” (Junior, 2009) and “None of Dem” (Body Talk, 2011). If you think you know Robyn and Royksopp, think again!

The energetic lead single “Do It Again”, the album’s namesake, was inspired by a night out in Bergen, and is described as an “accidental pop song” but those expecting to hear more of the same will be in for a surprise. Despite the differences between the five tracks; from the sullen yet up-tempo “Every Little Thing” to the industrial robotic sound of “Sayit”, there is a synergy that holds the album together.

Royksopp and Robyn will go on tour this summer to support “Do It Again”, and while only one Canadian date has been announced (August 25th in Toronto), the promise of new material and an electronic dance party has us praying to the music gods that these Scandinavian powerhouses come to our fair city.

“Do It Again” is available May 27th through Arts & Crafts records.