New Underworld Channels Streets

Reviews have been tepid about Underworld's new disc Oblivion With Bells - but I think it's the most vital thing they've done in years. A Hundred Days Off had moments, particularly Lutein, but too often settled into sedated programming endlessness (i.e., the title track, you can almost hear them press "repeat" halfway through).Here they've got variety and vitality the whole way through. At halfway is Ring Road, an indictment of the prefab subdivision epidemic that afflicts the U.S. as well as the UK. The beat veers from bouncy to martial and the lyrics channel the Streets at his Original Pirate Material peak of sensitivity and detail. Carrier bags dangle and everyone's wearing a different football jersey. Sit back and watch it all slide by.From there, it's all glam buckets and the best mamgu ever. Nice work.