Underworld – Strawberry Hotel

Album of the Year 2024 for me. Grew on me big time 3-4 listens on. After 25 more listens it has been amazing every time. Impressive feat for their mighty impressive catalogue.

I'm in love with this album; it will certainly be in my top 5 of the year. But thank god that digital releases are a thing. I pre-ordered the LP at my local brick-and-mortar store. The album hits the internet and ... turns out, the vinyl is delayed until November. Huh... okay. Well, the amended release day in November comes and... delayed again, this time, to December 13th. Not great, Bob. But okay... and just yesterday, I got an email from my record store. Delayed again... now, January 24th. I mean... guys, come on, what's going on here? A few weeks ain't great, but that happens. But now, we're looking more than three months. So to clarify - this is the American retail release. It's kind of frustrating reading these reviews from the UK, since somehow the Brits managed to pull this off on time. I can only hope that the reason is that the American record company is going out of its way to make sure the vinyl is as perfect as it can be.

Rick produced this with his daughter, Esme, and the end result is astounding. One of these days, Underworld is going to have to pass the torch and if this sort of culmination of chaotic rhythms and hard-hitting vocals continues with a new generation, I'll be more than delighted.

On a personal note, I find it hard to get through this album without tearing up. Underworld has provided a large part of my life's soundtrack and this highly emotional roller coaster really hits me hard, especially when Techno Shinkansen kicks in.

Great concert, lovely Club Atmosphere, flow flow flow - did I say flow ;)

There they are again. New, but recognizable! Great pressing! Happy with this!

Excellent album. Maybe my favorite actually. It is so cohesive and emotional. Some dark narratives and light. Balanced. Golden.

Japan Bonus Track
16 Velvet Does 4:57
SHDCD Japan Only Track (Omitted from vinyl release)

Lovely record, lovely music, lovely quality from the UK store. Great product all round. Did I mention it was a lovely listen? No, but it is. Lovely x

Mine shipped from UK store and record physically is great. But there are multiple marks on the records and one is so bad it causes needle to jump. I’ve reached out to Underworld store for a replacement. Why oh why oh why do we have to deal with this shit? Put records into poly inner sleeves!!!!

Was pretty excited when they teased some of the new tracks with KETTAMA etc remixes, but then the actual album is... to say the least, disappointing.
There are a handful of intense, hard-hitting new tracks and then the rest of the album sounds like the work of two anging geezers who have completely given up on raving.
Sounds more like leftovers from Karl's solo projects than actual Underworld tracks and honestly begs the question what Rick is even doing.