6/10

Having only briefly emerged over the last few years to contribute music to Danny Boyle's Opening Ceremony at the 2012 Olympic games, this is the first piece of new material from Underworld in six years. Their last album 'Barking' saw them experiment and branch out with their traditional sound, even hooking up with DnB maestro High Contrast for their lead single. But this new release sees just the duo at the helm throughout, and makes for a far more coherent release.

Underworld have never been ones to shy away from challenging the realms of electronic music and 'Barbara Barbara...' seems to be no different. With just seven tracks in its listing, the record aims to soundtrack an unending pace of euphoria you experience in the midst of a late night rave. While their connections with the clubbing culture have previously been at the forefront of their sound, this full-length aims to create more of a backdrop in atmosphere, allowing you to experience inertly rather than proactively.

Essentially this album is more for the stay at home clubber than the all-night raver. As they have aged, their fans have no doubt aged with them, thus creating a demand for electronic music that is just as suitable for everyday life than the dancefloor. 'Barbara Barbara...' is the middle-aged dance record it should be and makes for a pleasant listen as well.