The amazing thing about Underworld is, for all their popularity, they were never that catchy of a band. With the exception of “Born Slippy (Nuxx),” the song that made them mega-stars, the groups classics are usually built around minimal vocal poetry wrapped in throbbing forward beats. And since the departure of Darren Emerson in 2002, the remaining duo have done even less to appeal to mainstream tastes, seemingly happy to indulge their experimental tendencies in the studio while still pummeling out “Cowgirl” in “Rez” onstage, to the delight of fans. All of which makes this unexpected new song such a jaw dropper. Built on a light and skittering drum & bass rhythm, breezy synths and multi-layered vocals, this is Underworld poppier than we’ve ever heard them. And it’s a positive rush. Granted, they’re giving away the edited version, so hopefully the full length will delve into into another six minutes of the Underworld beatscapes we love. But if this is going to be the sound of Karl Hyde and Rick Smith after 30 years together, we’re going to pay a lot of attention in 2010.
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Underworld – “Scribble” (Edit)
The video is all smiles as well.
Clearly THE most important track of 2010 – hands down…