Vinyl Floor just put out “Mr. Rubinstein,” the opening track from their upcoming album “Balancing Act,” and it’s a different side of the Danish duo.
This song tells a real story about what happens when an artist and a critic go head to head. When egos clash and neither one wants to give an inch. You can feel that tension running through the whole track.
Brothers Thomas Charlie Pedersen and Daniel Pedersen recorded this one at Studio Möllan in Sweden with producer Emil Isaksson. Søren Vestergaard took care of mixing and mastering at the Shelter. They brought in Bebe Risenfors, who’s played with Tom Waits, to layer in the horns, and Christian Ellegaard’s string arrangements add this haunting quality that stays with you.
What struck me right away is how different this feels from what Vinyl Floor usually does. It moves slowly, takes its time. Piano, organ, and strings lead the way here. The whole thing has this moody, darker atmosphere that pulls you in. It doesn’t rush to get anywhere, and honestly, that’s what makes it work. The single version runs 4:13, a bit shorter than what we’ll hear on “Balancing Act” when the full album drops February 27th, 2026.
Since getting together in 2007, Vinyl Floor has been building their sound on 60s and 70s British rock foundations, then making it their own. They’ve toured the UK, Germany, and Japan, played over 200 shows. “Balancing Act” will be their sixth full length album, following “Funhouse Mirror” in 2022, “Apogee” in 2018, “Vaudeville” in 2014, “Peninsula” in 2012, and “Do You Still Dream” back in 2009.
“Mr. Rubinstein” is out now via Karmanian Records, and if you’re curious where Vinyl Floor is heading next, this track gives you a pretty good idea. It’s worth your time.
Photo Credit: Vinyl Floor.
