Monitor: Listen

Underworld - "A Hundred Days Off"

Words: Luke Magnuson

V2 Records - $16.98

With their first studio album since 1999's Beaucoup Fish, Underworld -- the duo of vocalist/guitarist Karl Hyde and technologist Rick Smith -- proves that the departure of Darren Emerson hasn't diminished the pair's ability to deliver dangerous dance floor rhythms. But don't expect the usual "lager, lager" lyrics and chemical "Cowgirl" beats, as A Hundred Days Off is a much more chilled collection of cuts. While there's no "Born Slippy," the album features a number of tracks that could, and should, cross over, including the terribly infectious "Little Speaker" and the strangely comical "Trim." It remains to be seen whether Rick and Karl can translate this album to the stage as successfully as they have in the past, but let's hope for the sake of a flailing electronic music scene that they manage to live up to their previously high standards.