Underworld : "Strawberry Hotel"

 

The 11th album from the British electronica icons feels like everything you expect from them once you get to the second song, there is more melody on the opening track, but the beats start doing their thing soon enough."Denver Luna" not only takes a familiar way they build their songs but then finds them incorporating new sounds and dynamics into that formula, which is really all you can ever ask for from an artist like this. "Techno Skinkansen" is pretty driving and as futuristic as you might hope for from this kind of music. While I prefer the songs with vocals the instrumental tracks do flow like songs, which is what sets this project apart as all too often electronic music is merely sounds to dance to. But they have collected a strong array of sounds, that break from the typical techno synths.

"Lewis in Pomona" is more experimental and leans a little more in the direction of sounds, though the dystopian house beats keep it flowing along. 'Hilo Sky' is a strong testament to what puts them at the top of this sort of thing. There are organic instruments in play while they keep the throbbing intensity. " Burst of Laughter" is more vocal-oriented, though the pulse is not as intense as the previous song. "Ottavia" is more of an interlude than a song. There is an acapella version of the second song as well which I am also not counting for the purpose of this review though it's an interesting touch. 

"Gene Pool' flows of a chilled-out pulse, that relies more on ambiance. "Oh Thorn" works off a similar ambiance, but the vocal line gives it more motion with its chant. Female vocals appear on the also mellower "Iron Bones". The bass line is minimal but bounces around, as the vocals solidify the song. It's the best use of ambiance on the album. The album closes with the acoustic "Stick Man Test'  I'll give this album a 9.5, and see how it grows, on me. I appreciate their willingness to try new things even this late in their career. 

pst596