UNKLE
War Stories

THE REVIEW

The UNKLE, who rose to prominence in the mid-90s, are among the pioneers of trip-hop. The London trio consists of James Lavelle, the main architect of the UNKLE project, Tim Goldsworthy, and producer Kudo.

The new album, which was released just a few days ago, takes a powerful turn towards more rock sounds. Despite this, the electronic and experimental sound that has so far characterized this group persists in the album, titled "War Stories".

Many guests have given voice and body to the tracks of the album, including Josh Homme of Queens of The Stone Age, Ian Astbury of the Cult, and 3D of Massive Attack.

The 14 tracks of the album are excellent, immediately showcasing the grand talent of Lavelle & Co. in creating visceral music that hammers the brain and sparks a myriad of emotions.

Josh Homme's performance is good, as he gives his best in "Restless", transforming the song into a hypnotic chant, like the musical base that accompanies him. Then come the guitars (which appear halfway through the song) to make the track psychedelic and even more hypnotic.

The first single taken from the album is track number seven, "Burn My Shadow", sung by Ian Astbury. The track (accompanied by a video that induces panic from the outset to reach an unexpected finale) is dark and mean. The voice of the Cult's leader almost resembles that of the legendary Jim Morrison, deep and inspired. The rhythm is powerful and engaging throughout the song, worthy of a true rock track, although it is the presence of a faint piano that makes this one of the most interesting episodes in the entire album. It strikes fear, disturbs the soul, and enchants us. Magnificent!

"Persons And Machinery", performed by Autolux, has a rhythm that almost resembles a house record, but once again the three Londoners have managed to transform this song into a true masterpiece with a mystical flavor, made intimidating by the sound of a music box (which vaguely reminds me of "No Surprises" by Radiohead).

"Twilight", written and sung by 3D of Massive Attack, makes us dream and fly away with an incredibly relaxing and dreamy ambient atmosphere. Thus, another diamond is added to this UNKLE jewel.

The last two tracks of the album (excluding a hidden track) are "Broken" and "When Things Explode".

The first, featuring the voice of Gavin Clark, is the most positive of all, with a vague '80s vibe that takes us back to the atmospheres of Depeche Mode and Joy Division (with a little extra modernity).

The second, where Ian Astbury returns, is the track closest to the trip-hop sounds of UNKLE's previous works, a spectacular closure that infuses deep melancholy and an immense sense of sadness.

Note the phrase that opens and closes the album (all is forgiven), which alludes to the album title, perhaps meaning that the "war stories," despite everything, should be forgiven.

Great result then for UNKLE, who with some changes (besides the sounds, producer and record label have changed) have managed to create a real masterpiece, which insinuates itself in the heart and releases the strongest emotions, without ever falling into repetitiveness. An album that I strongly recommend to everyone to listen to. You won't regret it.