SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: LINDSTRØM & PRINS THOMAS – III

Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas
III
Smalltown Supersound

After 11 years, Norwegian electronic duo Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas release the latest installment in their grand musical adventure.

As a follow-up to their 2009 album II, III features stunning soundscapes, lush audible textures, and mesmerizing beats. But just as you think you have this quirky album figured out, Lindstrøm & Prins Thomas throw an auditory curveball.

Take “Small Stream” for example. This jazzy number is, at times, teetering on the edge of being a nonsensical jumble of sound. Just as a lull of sonic acceptance flows over the listener, new beats and a piano solo kick in and completely unsettle the experience. But this is not a terrible thing. Careful crafting and a sense of play seem to guide every note.

There is no finer example of this playfulness than in the track “Martin 5000.” The hypnotic electro-samba beat begs listeners to dance along. Mixing that beat with guitar, piano, and a ton of synthesizer just elevates this track into the joyful beyond.

Lindstrøm Links

Prins Thomas Links