Soundz Rating: 8/10
I remember the first time I heard Underworld’s music—somewhere at a festival, deep in the night. A dark tent, people losing themselves to hypnotic beats, and Karl Hyde’s voice hovering over the bass. That experience, that almost spiritual trance you feel when you completely surrender to the music, is exactly what Strawberry Hotel brings back. This time, however, it carries a deeper, more mature edge.
With Strawberry Hotel, Underworld seems to take us on a journey, not only through their musical heritage but also through the emotions their music has evoked for decades. Each track feels like its own chapter in a larger story. The album begins dreamily and melancholically with “Black Poppies,” as if entering a world balancing between reality and fantasy. Gradually, the energy builds, and with “Denver Luna” and “Techno Shinkansen,” that vibe turns into undeniable rave beats, making your heartbeat sync with the rhythm.
New Elements from Underworld
The most beautiful part of this album may be the new elements they have added. In “Ottavia,” we hear the voice of Esme Bronwen-Smith, Rick’s daughter, bringing an almost operatic intensity to the song. It’s unexpected and emotional, a moment to pause amid the beats and feel something deeper and purer—a moment that gives you chills and recalls memories long forgotten.
Underworld encourages listeners to experience the album in its intended sequence, and after a few listens, I understand why. Each track flows effortlessly into the next, creating a soundtrack for a night of adventure and emotional depth. The album closes with “Stick Man Test,” leaving you grounded after a long journey. Strawberry Hotel is not just music to dance to; it’s music to lose yourself in, to remember why you once fell in love with these unparalleled sounds.
