Prins Thomas 8

The first of two short albums by Prins Thomas issued in the first quarter of 2022 (both are also available as a single CD), 8 is a pretty easygoing set of upbeat, bubbly synth-disco tracks that edge into funk and space rock. Like most of Thomas material, everything sounds live and organic rather than programmed, and while much of it is certainly danceable, its never formulaic. Opener "Kjaere Mamma" is both wide-eyed and a bit dramatic, with lush, sparkling melodies carried along by a skipping drum machine beat. The song manages to suspend an ecstatic feeling, as if one has floated up to a cloud and remained there. Most of the other tracks have heavier disco drums and more pronounced funk basslines, and are overall more club-friendly, yet still brisk and atmospheric. John Carroll Kirby contributes glistening keyboards to "Cool Coronas," which Thomas surrounds with a steady, relaxed beat and a few shots of burbling analog synths. "Sunroof Down," which features past collaborator Bugge Wesseltoft, is simply gorgeous, with a cruising rhythm and jazzy synth solos that spread out like sun rays, approximating a carefree car ride on a beautiful summer day. The album cools down by the end, with "Film 001 (Slapp Finale)" reframing the chords to Radioheads "Optimistic" with sly synths, soft guitars, and shaker-laced drums, calmly ascending to space without causing a fuss. Thomas music usually sounds like it was created spontaneously during jam sessions, and while hes released a few albums that are a bit messy or meandering, 8 is easily one of his more focused, concise efforts. ~ Paul Simpson