In the club-driven world of techno, Underworld is one of the few groups to have achieved name recognition and serious album sales. Their driving, trippy, acid house techno is emblematic of the rave culture and sensibility, and Oblivion with Bells, their second album of the 2000s, traverses the same territory, although the sounds here are as hypnotic as ever, mixing metronomic precision with elements of electro, industrial, tribal, hip-hop, and classic new wave influences. Karl Hyde steadies the swirling brew with his deadpan, often processed recitations, giving the whole the feel of a feverish, pulsing dream in which someone is trying to communicate from the beyond. The resonant opener, "Crocodile," and rhythmically explosive "Beautiful Burnout" are cases in point. ~ Anthony Tognazzini|
Rovi
フロア志向はやや後退したようだが、彼らにしか出せないまろやかなフォルムの音を随所で響かせて、まぎれもないアンダーワールド節の健在ぶりを確認させてくれる5年ぶりの新作。ダンス・トラックからダウンテンポ、アンビエントへと展開する流れのなかで、アーティスティックな側面やインテリジェンスをより鮮明に強調している。ハッとするような驚きは少なくとも、高いレヴェルでの安定した音作りはまさに横綱相撲!
bounce (C)青木 正之
タワーレコード(2007年10月号掲載 (P79))