This highly acclaimed Norwegian down-tempo electronica act comprises Svein Berge (b. Tromso, Norway) and Torbjorn Brundtland (b. 10 May 1975, Tromso, Norway). Their unusual name is taken from the Norwegian word for the Lycoperdale fungus, a type of mushroom that will make a smoky cloud if touched. The childhood friends grew up in Tromso, a small city located 800 kilometres within the Arctic Circle and where the spectacular Northern Lights are visible during the winter months. The duo originally recorded under the name Aadena Cycle, gaining a recording contract in 1995 through the auspices of fellow Tromso resident Geir Jenssen aka Biosphere. They first appeared on the Wall Of Sound label's Tell‚ compilation, which featured numerous Norwegian acts, including the title track by R”yksopp (sometimes spelt Royksopp). The duo made a huge critical impact with their singles "Eple" and "Poor Leno" and, most notably, with their 2001 debut, Melody A.M. The album received ecstatic reviews and featured in virtually all of the UK's dance music publications "Albums Of The Year" lists. It also topped the album charts in their native country.
R”yksopp's ethereal, sometimes na‹ve sound is original and melodic and, unlike other so-called "chill-out" artists, several of their recordings are more upbeat and dancefloor-friendly. Indeed, the distinct house flavour of "Poor Leno" led to an effective remix by Sander Kleinenberg and Silicone Soul. The duo themselves describe their sound as ". . . all a matter of combining the harmonies of film music and classical composers like Erik Satie with melodies like those of Francis Lai and incorporating the analogue warmth of the seventies, the fatness of the eighties over some thorough beat programming.'
During 2002, the duo released the single "Remind Me", remixed "What Does It Feel Like" for Felix Da Housecat, and toured the UK. They then concentrated on production work and various side projects, including Krater and the Hex Pistols. The long-awaited second R”yksopp album, The Understanding, finally appeared in summer 2005.
DISCOGRAPHY: Melody A.M. (Wall Of Sound 2001)****, The Understanding (Wall Of Sound 2005)***, R”yksopp's Night Out mini-album (Wall Of Sound 2006)***.
COMPILATIONS: Back To Mine (DMC 2007)***.

Encyclopedia of Popular Music
Copyright 2008 by Muze Inc.; all rights reserved.