Underworld - Barbara Barbara, We Face A Shining Future
8/10
22 years after debuting with uber acclaimed Dubnobasswithmyheadman, Underworld bring us the seventh instalment of their late night magic, but with so many classics already banked, can they deliver? I Exhale launches us straight in, big and bold, inventive with plenty of oomph, If Rah takes their foundation of bass and organ, layering textures to forge an irresistible vibe. Another deep throbber follows with yet another set of compulsive body moves finessed like master puppeteers pulling our strings, like the prodigal son of Skyscraper, I Love You. Santiago Cuatro is our breather, like walking out for a cheeky one-skinner from a club in Cairo at dawn, watching the sun come up over the temples and market place.
The second half moves at a different pace. Motorhome has a soothing dub world folk feel, a snake charmer beguiles us behind big drums and piano. Ova Nova and Nylon Strung close the album with blissed out gems. Underworld have delivered fully, and repeated listens offer new sounds, Easter eggs of self-aware intelligent music.
Still having fun after so many years working together is hard to achieve, let alone remaining sincere in their desire to produce tunes.
8/10
