Strawberry Hotel is a mix of the classic Underworld sound – striking deep bass lines and vocals which impart an almost religious sense to their music – together with some new ideas that don’t always hit the mark. There’s an effort to stay true to their very unique DNA while exploring new territory, but perhaps unsurprisingly – given they’ve been making albums for four decades – the results sometimes feels forced and out of their depth against modern day dance and electronic music.
There are some solid but not groundbreaking tunes like “and the colour red”.
“Sweet Lands Experience” tries to do more with its mix of techno and poetic lyricism, finding some interesting moments. But overall it leans on tired themes.
“Lewis in Pomona” also has lots of potential but ultimately falls flat. The elements don’t blend; instead, they feel isolated, and bass synths dialed up to uncomfortable levels make the track feel overcrowded.
But then the break through: “Hilo Sky” comes on as one of the album’s hero tracks, and announces a new stanza. Here, Underworld gives each element—guitar, synths, vocals—its time in the sun. In this instance it feels like the risk pays off. The track is top notch by any standards.
Next up, “King of Haarlem” brings a similar depth. It’s restrained, sophisticated, and somehow captures that classic Underworld essence where lyrics seem at once meaningless but essential, tapping into our primal spirit.
One user on Sputnik Music suggested in their review that the album could have ended at “Gene Pool”. I’d say it might have been better if Underworld had just released an EP with the four highlight tracks, Hilo Sky, Burst of Laughter, King of Haarlem and Ottavia – the latter also an excellent track, layering a curious but sincere female monologue over a high hat, simple melody and to cleverly find a primal, while restrained climax.
All four conveniently feature consecutively…no album favorites playlist required. And you might even want to let the acappella version of denver luna play out at this point, so will your ears be warmed up, ready to appreciate a modern-day Gregorian chant.
In the end, Strawberry Hotel has a few great tracks, and kudos to Underworld for a bold attempt to produce something fresh whilst maintaining their distinctive sound (after all these years). They achieve the latter. And the highlights are great even by modern sensibilities and standards.
I’d very happily see them tour this album live. Between the great tracks and the classic Underworld ‘push and pull’ energy it’s charactised by, it should make for quite the show.
