Underworld

Underworld are a UK electronic music group from Romford, active from 1979. The group’s core line-up centres on Karl Hyde and Rick Smith, and its membership also includes Baz Allen, Bryn B. Burrows, Alfie Thomas, Darren Emerson, Pascal Consoli and Band Aid 30.

Style and development

The group begins as a funk and synth-pop act before moving towards dance and techno in the early 1990s. Their music spans alternative dance, ambient, downtempo, electronic, electronica and experimental forms.

Key recordings

Underworld release two albums in the late 1980s, then build a wider profile with Dubnobasswithmyheadman in 1994, Second Toughest in the Infants in 1996 and Beaucoup Fish in 1999. Other studio albums include Underneath the Radar, Change the Weather, A Hundred Days Off, Oblivion with Bells, Barking, Barbara Barbara, We Face a Shining Future, Drift Series 1 and Strawberry Hotel.

Notable tracks

The group is closely associated with singles such as Born Slippy Nuxx and Dark & Long (Dark Train), both of which become important electronic tracks of their era. Their work is also known for atmospheric, developing compositions and Hyde’s abstract, stream-of-consciousness lyrics.

Labels and legacy

Underworld release music through UnderworldLive, Underworld and Big Deal Music. Their recordings appear widely in film and television soundtracks, and the group influences a broad range of electronic and alternative artists. Their live performances are also a notable part of their reputation.