Prins Thomas is a busy dude. He seems to be constantly traveling to fill DJ gigs, runs a few labels, collaborates with the likes of Lindstrom and somehow finds time to produce his own music. For his third full length album, the aptly titled III, he's taken the tempos down ever so slightly while maintaining the easy going playfulness of his productions. This is probably his least dancefloor focused material to date. There are entirely beatless offerings like the 13 minute long synthesizer excursion "Luftspeiling." It's a psychedelic take on ambient music that recalls Kraftwerk and Tangerine Dream. You can get your fix of bubbling synth bass from other parts of the album, though. The opening track, "Hans Majestet," is a prime example of classic Prins Thomas. All of the right elements are there for the perfect chugging groove. Thomas has other things up his sleeves, as well. There's "Trans," perfectly timed for the reawakening of early forms of trance music that seems to be happening lately. It also seems that Thomas has been playing with timing a lot. Snares pop in unexpected places, kicks show up when they want to or not at all, and it all appears to work, especially as the songs are allowed to build and breath. It's refreshing to see so much experimentation as we watch one of the leaders of the Norwegian disco scene move through his artistic career.

• music label: Full Pupp 2014

reviewed by Señor Sueño Latino 05/2014