CD Reviews

Underworld Oblivion with Bells Universal Music Group/ 2007 ♥♥♥♥	Electronic music holds a special place in my heart and my car stereo. Large scale electronic artists have failed to produce a plethora of new music simply because the golden age of this genre has passed. However, to my delight, I discovered a new electronic release, Oblivion with Bells. This is the fifth studio album from Underworld. They are best known for “Born Slippy” - the epic techno ballad which is featured on the Trainspotting soundtrack. Oblivion with Bells does not have a single that can surpass or even amount to that of their earlier hits. The album provides the listener with a very ambient electronic style, distinctly shown with songs such as “Good Morning Cockerel” and “To Heal.” As Karl Hyde and Rick Smith age it is understandable that they are no longer churning out hard, banging dance beats, and perhaps that is why Oblivion with Bells falls into a slow and subdued haze. One of the tracks is a slight exception, titled “Holding the Moth” which uses Karl Hyde’s vocals over a steady bass line; I can easily imagine DJs introducing this into their sets. At least Oblivion with Bells has one fairly danceable track that could mark Underworld’s return to a club near you — Leah Werier
Black Kids Wizard of Ahhhs EP Universal Music Group/ 2007 ♥♥♥♥	What do you get if you mix equal parts Motown flare, My Bloody Valentine pomposity, and The Cure poignancy? Apparently, some Black Kids with one eye on revivalism and the other on innovation. By melding novel and anachronistic styles (who knew beaming synths and lo-fi guitars could sound so sweet?) the Black Kids are able to fashion a compelling and distinctive aesthetic on their enjoyable 4-track EP, Wizard of Ahhhs. Beginning with the looping guitars and luscious melody of the “pun-tasticly” titled “Hit the Heartbrakes,” the listener is treated to a steady stream of delectable ear candy. “I’m Not Gonna Teach You,” the EP’s standout moment, finds male lead singer Reggie Youngblood playing with gender: “You are the girl that I’ve been dreaming of ever since I was a little girl,” - the track’s majestic, catchy chorus. Although Youngblood’s romantic cold streak continues, the sonic landscape heats up with glam synths and a spare bass line duelling on “Hurricane Jane,” and “David Vandervelde-esque” vocals leading to a doo-wop-fashioned coda on “I’ve Underestimated My Charm (Again).” Wizard of Ahhhs represents a refreshing revival of the classic pop anthems of yesteryears, and therefore is a must listen for all music fans who long for the songs of their childhood. —Ajitpaul Mangat, staff.
Cuff the Duke Sidelines of the City Hardwood records/ 2007 ♥♥♥♥♥	I can think of no better sophomore album than Sidelines of the City. Cuff the Duke has managed to polish and mature their sound without losing their gritty Oshawa roots. The band has managed to sidestep the third-album curse of recording for the sake of releasing an album. Cuff the Duke has obviously sweated out a worthy followup. It has been over two years since the band’s last album release, but it has been well worth the wait. Cuff the Duke matured from the angst of its self-titled second album and exchanged it for a fantastic new sound. Each song is a work unto itself, varying from twangy gospel to vintage British pop. The best songs on the record are “If I Live or if I Die” and “Long Road” because of their eclectic and unique musical setup. This album is almost impossible to describe, you have to hear it to believe it. Sidelines of the City should be held up as an example of what an album could and should be. — Chelse McKee, staff