Vinyl Floor have just dropped “Mr. Rubinstein,” and it’s a beautiful departure for the Danish duo. This is the first taste of their upcoming album “Balancing Act,” and what a way to open the door.

The Pedersen brothers are really stretching themselves here. Thomas Charlie and Daniel have created something that feels both familiar and completely fresh. Yes, you can still hear their love for 60s and 70s British rock in the DNA, but this track goes somewhere deeper, somewhere richer.

What I love most about “Mr. Rubinstein” is how confident it sounds. The song takes its time, letting the piano lead you in, then building with organ and these gorgeous string arrangements from Christian Ellegaard. When Bebe Risenfors’ horns enter the picture, it’s like everything clicks into place. The fact that they got someone who’s worked with Tom Waits speaks volumes about where their heads are at right now.

The production is stunning. Emil Isaksson captured something special at Studio Möllan, and Søren Vestergaard’s mixing work at the Shelter brings out every detail without making it feel overdone. It’s lush but never cluttered.

The story behind the song adds another layer too. It’s about an artist and a critic clashing, egos getting in the way, and you can hear that friction in the music. But instead of making it aggressive, Vinyl Floor turned it into something contemplative and moving.

After nearly two decades and five albums behind them, the band sounds more focused than ever. If “Mr. Rubinstein” is any indication of what’s coming on “Balancing Act” next February, we’re in for something special.

You can listen here.