Zune Social: 
Originally intended as a late 2009 companion release to that year's Junior, Senior is a marked departure for Scandinavian dance/electronic duo Röyksopp. While that was a more traditional, bubbly pop sound iced over with slightly-accented female vocals, Senior is a road trip through the dark corners of the mind.
First entering the disc, it seems that this would have made a great second disc to Junior if they had simply waited to tie the two albums together (much like the 3PM/3AM discs in Junkie XL's fantastic A Broadcast From the Computer Hell Cabin), but this album isn't about remixes and b-sides. Leading off with a chilly remix of "Tricky Tricky" wasn't inspiring, but as the album progresses, a theme starts to pick up. To be honest, I have a beef with downbeat music in the same way that it's hard for me to listen to many theatrical soundtracks: out of context, the music doesn't mean much, it starts to blur together. It's commendable then that Röyksopp were able to pull Senior off as well as they did, considering their pedigree.
"The Alcoholic" and "Senior Living" display their plucky 'Ve'er From Norvay' chops before shifting gears into an ethereal narrative. Starting with "The Drug", you're on a cold desert road somewhere near Barstow at 2AM (complete with alien frequencies!) before ending up in some bar with "Forsaken Cowboy" and facing the consequences of "The Fear" (trust me, it makes sense.) The last two tracks beam with the intensity of morning light while the conclusion of "A Long, Long Way" signals that you have indeed arrived home.
For an album that doesn't seem like it should be left alone, Senior is a fantastic voyage. There are no dance-able, club-ready singles here, this is a pill that should be taken whole. The mileage is worth it.
Favorite Tracks: "Senior Living", "The Drug", "The Fear"
Verdict: Pass On It / Meh / Get it
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