Prins Thomas - Prins Thomas

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It's been a long time coming, the first solo album from Prins Thomas. Lindstr�m's partner in crime has long danced by his colleague's side, but certainly not in his shade, with two brilliantly executed collaborations in long player form to show for his production efforts, not to mention a slew of excellent remixes and compilations.

More recently the signs have been the two are ready to explore their own directions. Lindstr�m's first proper solo record, Where I Go You Go Too, dropped a progressive bombshell, while his collaboration with Christabelle revealed his clubbier instincts. These are sensibilities Thomas has always had in the locker, with a series of high quality modern disco takes on the likes of James Yuill and a burgeoning label in Full Pupp, through which this record is released.

Only seven tracks adorn the album, a sign we could be in for the long haul - particularly when they clock in at just over an hour. But Thomas, like his colleague, has mastered the art of building slowly over time, teasing the listener with extra layers of melody while holding back on dropping the drums for a while.

Perhaps surprisingly the album isn't all about 'cosmic disco', though the dazzling, spacey Wendy Not Walter goes into a breakdown with some clever synth crossrhythms. No, this is more about space rock, with Thomas establishing a central pitch and rhythm before letting a whole web of melodies weave themselves around it. The vibe is overwhelmingly positive, not to mention a bit woozy - ideal to take the edge off a hard day and turn it into a good evening.

The music is also less obviously electronic, bringing in the electric guitars but minus the distortion. The drums, too, are pretty mid range fare, but move to extended fill ins when the intensity grows. The loping beat, so typical of modern Scandinavian disco, remains - as does Lindstr�m himself for one track, guesting on the clavinet for the excellent Sauerkraut.

Listening to this album is like heralding the early arrival of Spring, its positive vibe proving as infectious as the newly released pollen. Prins Thomas has chosen just the right time to drop it, and proven beyond doubt that he stands shoulder to shoulder with Lindstr�m as the Norwegians shuffle along to conquer more of our dancefloors.