18 October 2016

Underworld "Barbara Barbara, We Face A Shining Future" (2016)

Barbara Barbara, We Face A Shining Future
release date: Mar. 16, 2016
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,58]
producer: Rick Smith, High Contrast [aka Lincoln Barrett]
label: Beat Records - nationality: England, UK

Track highlights: 1. "I Exhale" - 2. "If Rah" - 3. "Low Burn" - 5. "Motorhome" - 6. "Ova Nova" - 7. "Nylon Strung"

9th studio album by Underworld released after three live albums [including a part as musical directors at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London], two compilations and a soundtrack, and who knows how many collaboration works, all following the 2010 album Barking. Apparently, the obscure title refers to what Hyde's father said to his wife, Barabara, shortly before passing away [see The Guardian review]. It seems with this album that Rick Smith and Karl Hyde once again have regained some of their curiosity concerning progressive house and moved away from techno influences.
The album is perhaps at a more experimental level than I believe the two have ever found themselves at before. I think, the album may silence critics who have argued that Smith and Hyde wouldn't know how to appeal to their fans after Darren Emerson left the band. It's clearly an improvement from their two most recent studio albums. The album has been met by critical acclaim, which also brought the duo a Grammy nomination.
[ allmusic.com, Q Magazine, Mojo, The Guardian, Spin 4 / 5, PopMatters 4,5 / 5 stars ]