Got my hands on a copy of Underworld‘s new album Barking last week and have been really vibing to it. The duo pushed out the first single from it, “Scribble,” a little while back and I quite enjoyed it. To be honest, I never really listened to them before recently, partly due to not being exposed to that type of music back then, but I’m older now and respect the talent out there. Anyway back to the album…
Barking is the 6th studio album from the duo (Rick Smith and Karl Hyde) and features 9 stellar house/techno/pop tracks. Underworld enlisted the talent of a few other producers to help shape the album which included collaborations with Paul van Dyk and British house artists Mark Knight and D. Ramirez, among others. Each track on the album takes their blend of house/DnB/techno and applies a pop like structure and feel to it. The hooks are big, infectious and the whole album overall plays as a soundtrack for that long, contemplative drive .
Some highlights from the album include “Bird 1” which makes you feel like you are lost in a trance. The movement/modualtion in this track is quite excellent. After the sort of monotonous, soft-spoken lyrics and the ever so delicate but moving beat, the track’s chorus takes us into this epic place with gated synths and beautiful off key melodies. Another good track was “Always Loved A Film” which has a very prominent house sound to it. The track is big and full, definitely reminds me of an Ibiza night. And once again the hook is so damn catchy, it may only be a few words, but damn does it stick with you. I would have to say that this was my favorite track and my future summer nights jam. Some other ones to check out are the big dance track, “Between Stars,” the Born Slippy-esque “Scribble” and the speak-your-heart ballad, “Louisiana” that ends the album.
I think that both new and old fans of Underworld will enjoy this album. Going back listening to some of their older stuff I can tell you that Barking is more accessible. What I think will be cool about this album is that it will give Underworld some new exposure to a younger generation who are only now discovering the awesomeness of electronic music.
Check out the video to “Always Loved A Film” below and pick up the album when it is released on September 13/14 (UK/US) through Om Records.
enjoY!
