Underworld
Barbara Barbara, We Face a Shining Future

The return of the Underworld. After 6 years since the excellent "Barking," released in 2010, which did not convince a few listeners.

A record-breaking pause between albums for the duo.

They come out with "Barbara Barbara, We Face A Shining Future," produced by Welsh DJ High Contrast. A title that may seem bizarre to many but in fact holds an important and profound meaning for the Underworld, and even more so for Rick Smith, as these were among the last words Smith's father said to his wife before passing away.

I was particularly struck by the concept expressed by Karl Hyde regarding the album: the thing he is most proud of is the fact that he and Smith made it without considering whether it could, or could not, belong to the "Underworld style." I greatly appreciate this spontaneity. As far as I'm concerned, a duo of Hyde/Smith's caliber can afford to do whatever they like.

Returning to the music, the album presents itself as balanced and very well-structured. A final product of 7 tracks, divisible as follows: the first 3 tracks, an interlude, the last 3 tracks.

The notable difference between one side and the other is the atmosphere, fundamentally.

The dance opens with the single "I Exhale", an aggressive and dark entrance with some spicing reminiscent of Kraftwerk and Industrial. A robotic march guided by the rhythms dictated by Capital Karl Hyde's monologue. But the rhythms immediately change with "If Rah", offering excellent Techno still with a dark groove, characterized by synthesized guitars and keyboards. Nothing that the Underworld hasn't proposed before, but nonetheless a more than worthy effort.
The darkness already begins to fade, giving way to a rising dawn carried by the warm winds of "Low Burn", still of Techno origin.

The same warm wind takes us to the deserts of "Santiago Cuatro", an instrumental piece that serves as a pause between each side of the album, halfway between Middle Eastern sounds and Flamenco.

As soon as it's "Motorhome"'s turn, the atmosphere becomes more introspective, nostalgic. The sweetness and gentle soul of Hyde, already shown in his parallel projects, particularly "Someday World," an album born from the Eno • Hyde collaboration.
A note of merit for the effect that evokes the uilleann pipes. Among the best tracks on the album.

"Ova Nova" slightly raises the bass, remaining sweet, preparing the way for the dreamy finale. A track that recalls the sounds of "A Hundred Days Off".

The journey concludes with "Nylon Strung", an emotional, at times poignant track. Hyde's voice brings us inner calm.

All in all, in the end, the Underworld have gifted us a gem worthy of their name. I am satisfied... and you?