- Like most people, the first time I'd ever heard of Underworld was watching cult film Trainspotting back in 1995. That was when I heard Born Slippy and although I'd never heard anything like that before in my life, I fell in love with that track and hence, discovered Underworld. Over time, I came to know more about their productions through clubbing fanatically and also through my friends. So, there I was for my first ever long awaited Underworld gig, along with 3000 supporters at a one off, sold out event held at unlikely venue -- London's Somerset House’s open-air 18th century courtyard, but what a perfect and stunning setting it provided for Underworld's atmospheric performance.
Although Underworld is a formidable duo, on stage, it is all about singer Karl Hyde. He danced, pranced and flirted with the crowd. He was just oozing with sex appeal and I could see many women, including myself, going crazy at every suggestive move he was making. By the time producer Rick Smith coaxed in the strains of last year's big summer tune '2 months off', everyone was going wild and jumping up and down and shouting 'You bring light in...' over and over again. With the sun just setting, and a slight breeze blowing in on that mid summer's night, this track created a definitive moment for most of us. Its euphoric sounds made many close their eyes and people were seen holding hands. How nice! It suddenly made me think of the sun rising over the mountains and how good life can be, especially with music like this surrounding me.
Throughout the gig, Hyde and Smith performed tracks from all their albums. They did Kittens, Cowgirl, Dark and Long, Dinosaur Adventure and many more. And then they whacked their signature timeless tune -- the classic track, Born Slippy. The beautiful ambient sounds fitted in beautifully with Hyde's deep throated and sexy vocals. Everyone was screaming 'larger, larger' and some even cried at the sheer infusion of sounds that floated through the courtyard. We screamed for an encore after that and they came back and performed a mellow and hypnotising Jumbo. What a concert! Whoever decided to have this gig at this fantastic location deserves much praise. After all, Somerset House is known for its cultural collections and not gigs by the likes of Underworld.
Underworld was just amazing that night. I'd never been to a gig where the vibes were so good and almost everyone had smiles on their faces. They really did "bring the light in"!