For this week’s Nostalgia Bomb, we take you to the deep, dark, and mysterious realm of what is known as Underworld.
A British electronic group formed in the 1980’s, Underworld has seen a cult following and some major commercial success early on, as some of their music was featured in the movie, “Trainspotting” in 1996. The members of the group have come and gone over the years, but frontman Kyle Hyde has remained at the helm.
Underworld has released eight official studio albums, two collections, and has collaborated in recent years with UK drum n’ bass duo, High Contrast, and artists such as Tiesto, and Brian Eno. Most recently and notably, the group was chosen to direct the 2012 Summer Olympics held in London.
To show our support for the diverse range of talent that is Underworld, we present to you five of our favorite songs.
“Rez” from Second Toughest in the Infants (1996)
Rez is a full circle, sonic journey from start to finish. This ten minute epic has a slow build, but crescendos into something more upbeat and whimsical than the bulk of Underworld’s other tunes. A fan favorite of theirs, this track has also seen support from Bassnectar who has since remixed the track to great success. Many see “Rez” to be one of Underworld’s most notable songs.
“Born Slippy .NUXX” – Single (1995)
Perhaps the most listened to Underworld track, “Born Slippy .NUXX” was originally a B-side titled simply “Born Slippy”. It’s a driving song from the get go, with a head-bobbing 4 on the floor beat that builds as the drums kick in. As dynamic as it is unique, we guarantee you haven’t heard anything quite like this.
“Dirty Epic” From Dubnobasswithmyheadman (1994)
Deep, dark, and brooding, this is the track every emo kid wish he knew in high school. Luckily, unlike those skinny jeans, it still holds up and contains enough flair to keep itself alive many more years. You’ll find some tasteful synthwork and sampling layered throughout and this track features some pretty stellar vocals as well.
“Two Months Off” from A Hundred Days Off (2002)
If you like cowbell, you’ll like this song. If you like subtlety, you’ll also like this song. A great paring between what is a driving beat and hushed lyrical undertones, “Two Months Off” is the definition of a great track to get lost to on a long drive.
“The First Note Is Silent” from High Contrast’s The Agony and the Ecstasy (2012)
While this track is clearly a High Contrast creation first, it contains a fair amount of Underworld influence. An example of a collaboration that has gone completely right, check this one out for something a bit more fast paced and high energy.
Austin Meyer Whitlock is a musician, writer and can be reached on Twitter