I can be a sucker for an interesting album cover, and although one should never judge a book by its cover, I can be enticed to listen to something by a cover. The cover for this album is certainly unusual, and it gives no clue as to what the music sounds like, but I am reliably told that it is melodic rock with some symphonic and prog elements. That is enough to pull me in!
I will share the press release and then turn my attention to the review.
“Balancing Act,” the sixth full-length album from the Danish rock band duo Vinyl Floor, finds the band further exploring their melodic rock sound and represents a natural progression from their previous album, “Funhouse Mirror.” The new album features all the characteristic sounds of Vinyl Floor: a foundation of drums, bass and guitars colored with an array of horns, strings, electronic elements and distinct vocal harmonies. The band, together with renowned Swedish producer and engineer Emil Isaksson, recorded the basic tracks live at Studio Möllan in Malmö, Sweden during the autumn of 2024 and then did all the overdubbing and vocals at their own studio in Copenhagen, Denmark during the first half of 2025. The album was mixed and mastered by Søren Vestergaard at The Shelter. The front cover is a painting by Swedish artist Kristina Jellstam and the album artwork is designed by Kristian Kokholm. “Balancing Act” is an album about trying to balance life and searching for beauty and meaning in a world full of chaos,treason,insecurity and false promises. A world that currently seems out of balance. Musically, Vinyl Floor has opted for a warm and organic vintage sound with a clear and nuanced, modern production of songs with a strong emphasis on melody, hooks and lyrics. The 13 songs featured here were written by Daniel Pedersen & Thomas Charlie Pedersen, and the two brothers share the lead vocal duties.
The brothers also handled most instruments themselves but invited additional musicians to play on several tracks. The Swedish multi-instrumentalist Bebe Risenfors contributed a selection of horns and upright bass to 4 songs. Bebe Risenfors has previously recorded with Tom Waits, and his work is featured on the Tom Waits albums “Alice,” “Blood Money,” and “Orphans.” Bebe Risenfors has also worked with Elvis Costello and many others. Danish classical musician Christian Ellegaard, who is a member of the national Danish symphony Orchestra, plays strings on 5 songs here. Finally, Danish guitarist Daniel Hecht (Franklin Zoo, The Breakers) plays additional guitar on two tracks.”
My Review:
The album was released February 27, so is out on all platforms now.
2026 Karmanian Records.
It has 13 songs and runs to just under 48 minutes.
“All This and More” opens up with evocative keys and drum beat before the dual harmony vocals as the lads peek through the windows and drive the kids, one of those suburban day songs set off to a radio friendly Summer melody. If this was a song it would be a light Rose wine.
“I’m on the Upside” I actually liked better than the opener.The slightly heavier edge to the drum sound and the harmonies were entirely enjoyable! This is the type of track that you listen to happily as you drive along on an open road, or possibly jog along with headphones on. I liked the late track guitar break.
“The Helping Hand” is a slight change to a more sway along ballad that reminds me of those American bands of the late sixties who had a sway in their sound.
“Mr. Rubinstein” is a slower track, piano led with a few strings joining the party. I believe it was earlier released as a single. It has that easy melody and beat to keep you in a late evening mood, a late night cup of hot chocolate with some cream on top – kind of comforting, and it does some textured things musically late in the track.
“Tell the World it Happened” moves gears again, especially vocally. It returns to those slightly experimental pop rock vibes of the mid to late sixties and the use of the strings again gives an extra, interesting, dimension.
“Land of the Desert” I instantly took to because of the melody. It sings of a state of confusion in the world the singer tells of, and it has an intimate feel. It is one of those songs that I could imagine sitting back on some cushions in a small venue. I know it is not part of their CV, but I think they have elements of folk in what they do.
“Back of My Hand” holds a strong beat and a string sound that is plucked from the East and tales of old. It is because of that sense of mystique and the old bazaars that it is my favourite so far. It is like a movie backdrop for a Gothic tale. Not quite instrumental, but largely wordless in feel.
“Puppet Laureate” is a slice of late sixties pop rock, a guitar in your hand and a smile on your face. The song returns the fizz into the sound, a cheerful earful.
“The Swan of Eileen Lake” wins the prize for unusual song title. It is a piece of folk storytelling and stripped back sound with a strong chorus and beat. It sits comfortably in their creative lane,” and has a strong vocal harmony.
“Adelaide” is piano led, the vocal telling of how the singer imagines his muse in a thousand ways. This one came and went a bit for me.
“Less Dystopian Book” has a slightly heavier drum sound and moves toward an indie rock sound. Again, an interesting title, lyrically we have the word on the street and dual vocals that allow a dreamy quality at times.
“Jacaranda Blossoms” has a lovely piano melody to introduce it. It then moves toward a pop vibe and kicks its shoes off a bit. At over 7 minutes it is long enough to change direction a couple of times and can introduce streets paved with blood.
“Balancing Act” – from the longest track on the album, we close with the shortest. At 2.28 this is a song that definitely does not stay too long. It gives a piano sound underpinned by a balance of vocal and instrumental – picked up by that bounce on the drums.
In summary: this is an album built on melody, mood and musicianship rather than bombast. It doesn’t shout for attention — it gently asks for it. Spend time with it, and you may find it settles into your rotation like that dependable record you didn’t know you needed.
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You can stream music by Vinyl Floor here
By Stevie Ritson
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