Pick

Underworld Oblivion with Bells

• Words: Rachel Shimp
• Label: PIAS
• XLR8R Rating: 10/10

Karl Hyde and Rick Smith’s first full-length as Underworld since 2003’s A Hundred Days Off is the best piece of work they’ve made since Darren Emerson left the band. And I dare to say, it’s as good as Dubnobasswithmyheadman. If nothing else it shows a concept coming gloriously full-circle–musically, visually, and emotionally. Hyde whispers, “Keep it simple,” but stocks the album with “Bruce Lee” and “Cowgirl” sound-alikes, twinkling leftfield techno, and even ambient. And what’s great on it’s own, like first single “Crocodile,” is stunning in this package. Yeah, we’re still getting an earful about postmodern societal inertia, but as something to jam to when you’re staring out of that office window, it doesn’t get much better than this.