The release of Everything, Everything is a milestone for Underworld, a key figure in the electronic movement since the mid-90’s, but also marks the departure of the group’s DJ, Darren Emerson. For the last two years, programmer/producer Rick Smith has been diligently at work listening to hours of live material the band recorded in support of the Beacoup Fish record released in early ’99. Anyone who witnessed Underworld at the Fuji Festival in Japan, Coachella in California, or at their legendry Glastonbury gig knows that this electronic outfit is a different animal when live. The songs collected from these performances really do capture the energy of the group. This record should read, “Danger: High Voltage. Enter At Your Own Risk.” No lie.
The first four songs suck you instantaneously in as the madness and thunderous bass builds from the electronic whirlwind of “Juanita/Kiteless” to the jungle beats of “Pearls Girl”. Emerson and Smith work like mad chemists as they mix and sequence together the winding down of “Juanita” into the synthesizer sounds of “Cups”. Hold on, because the ride gets a little more interesting as they tease you with a short version of “Cups” before spinning you into a blazing version of Beacoup Fish’s hit, “Push Upstairs”. Karl Hyde shines his vocal presence on the introduction of “Pearls Girl” as they loop a vocal sample repeatedly before jumping into beat. Listening to this live recording, I have a newfound respect for the vocal and lyrical talent of Mr. Hyde. His voice seems to add an extra element of flow to the music.
Everything, Everything (for me at least) will be one of those records that changed the way I look at electronic music. Just listening to the crowd’s reaction and the way the audience timed the beats being dropped into songs such as “King of Snake” and “Cowgirl” seriously made the hair on my neck stand up. The bass lines are clean and concise throughout the recording, and with Darren Emerson at the wheel, he knows what speed limit the group should be traveling at all times.
The album only contains eight tracks, and though they may of left off a few old gems, you should not feel robbed because each song is Underworld long in length. Look for a DVD to follow shortly after this release.
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