Review: Underworld return with their eleventh studio album, Strawberry Hotel, via their own Smith Hyde Productions. The legendary electronic duo, Karl Hyde and Rick Smith, have been teasing fans with singles like 'and the colour red', 'Denver Luna' and the recently unveiled 'Black Poppies'. Known for their iconic blend of techno, trance, and ambient sounds, Underworld's latest effort promises a continuation of their experimental, ever-evolving style. In Strawberry Hotel, the band creates a variety of sonic "rooms", each with its own distinct atmosphere. From minimalist tracks built on a metronomic kick drum to layered melodies filled with euphoric noise, the album captures the essence of Underworld's unique approach. The duo describes the project as a place where "poetry is snatched from the overhead" and shaped into new forms. Though their last major release was the ambitious Drift Series boxset, Strawberry Hotel offers a more focused exploration of their signature sound. The band continues to surprise, leaving fans excited for the journey this new album will take them on. As always with Underworld, expect the unexpected.
Review: Underworld's latest album, Strawberry Hotel maps a distinct sonic landscape where minimalistic techno pulses meet textured and scratchy guitar tones, creating an uncanny blend of precision and spontaneity. Each track occupies its own atmosphere-from tracks built around tight, rhythmic kicks and monotone voices, to others steeped in lush melodic swells. Highlight tracks 'and the colour red' and 'denver luna' showcase their talent for boundary-pushing compositions, while 'black poppies' stands as a tribute to dancefloor euphoria and pure vitality, all without a single beat.
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