A Hundred Days Off

There were those who thought that the departure of Darren Emerson might spell the end of the line for Underworld but wait… The release of AHDO has proved that the remaining duo of Karl Hyde and Rick Smith may well have had as much to do with the success of Underworld as their more media-courted colleague. There are differences, most obviously in a more laid-back approach already hinted at on predecessor Beaucoup Fish but, as with ‘Moaner’ on that album, the pair do occasionally push the feeling on tracks like ‘Dinosaur Adventure’.

It is the more laid-back grooves that typify this new approach with mellower outings like opener ‘SolaSistim’ and the even gentler ‘Little Speaker’ echoing the more soporific tracks off Leftfield’s Leftism, complete with tribal beats.

For many people the name Underworld is synonymous with just a handful of classic singles including ‘Cowgirl’, ‘Pearl’s Girl’ the aforementioned ‘Moaner’ and that now unlistenable anthem, and for them this album is likely to disappoint. The more discerning dance fan should take a chance on the first single ‘Two Months Off’. If you like that, buy this.