Techno fiends, get ready for Adam Beyer and Bart Skils‘ remix of ‘Border Country‘ by Underworld and British electronic producer, Ashley Burchett (aka Ø [Phase]). Taking the vocals from the original and tweaking its tempo, we get a new take on their sound.
Beyer and Skils take this track one step ahead of the genre’s game. Firstly, both techno titans deliver a thunderous rolling techno sound. Secondly, it is full of driving acid bass, and ripping synth sounds. Thirdly, it is edgy and restless. Be prepared to chart through unmapped spaces of nocturnal electronics. Driven by fizzy hi hats with multiple voices echoing, it is a grimy one. Compared to the original, it takes on a deeper, darker persona.
This track is one of two editions of the original. Thanks to Karl Hyde’s distinctive vocals, they stretched and manipulated it to create a haunting tune. While still maintaining Underworld’s timeless sound, it is a brilliant rework. What used to sound like a video game soundtrack is now a hypnotic, dance floor ready hit.
Now, the second mix – ‘Ø [Phase] Dark Room Tension Dub‘ – is a subtle reworking that redefines the track with pacing. It rolls and is delicate. Small changes make this one elegantly different from the original. Ø [Phase] crafted a darker version to focus on the rhythmic elements and pumps in Karl’s voice. Heavy dub delays make for a darker, tense buildup–something we yearn for in techno.
Underworld has performed this song multiple times and each time, it speaks to their audience. The sense of journey, mystery, and magic fuels their deep passion for their music. They headline the world’s biggest festivals and events with their 90s underground techno. Taking over clubs and warehouses, their sound-tracking theater productions even travel into art galleries, shoe shops and Japanese department stores.
Interested to see what their rendition sounds like? Take a listen below!
