Thomas Moen Hermansen

Neo-disco artist Prins Thomas followed his two numerically titled 2022 albums with a full-length bearing his given name. Thomas Moen Hermansen is an apt title for a record which essentially sounds like the artist being himself and doing what he does best. Basically functioning as a one man band, he lays down steady rhythms with shuffling drums and chugging basslines, splashing them with sunny synth melodies. Its usually pretty easygoing and carefree, but there is a touch of melancholy to these tracks. The first one is called "Heartbreak," and even though its brisk stroll doesnt sound dramatic or devastated, its not bursting at the seams with joy either, and sounds like it could be music for a long walk while one is dealing with pain. "KLHouse" has chunky drum breaks and whooshing, starry synths, but it elevates its emotional intensity with a more open-hearted melody around the five-minute mark. "1000ML Del 1" hits a happy/sad sweet spot reminiscent of some of the best Italo-disco, and its the albums prettiest song overall. Otherwise, the album is generally a breeze. "1000ML Del 2" is a fun disco bop with wonky synths, and "Denpasar Til Bangkok" sneakily merges acid basslines with ambient techno pads. "Sovnlos" might be the bubbliest, most aquatic, and most dancefloor-friendly track on the album. Not a stylistic diversion or a grand artistic statement, Thomas Moen Hermansen is simply another satisfying Prins Thomas record. ~ Paul Simpson