Oblivion with Bells cover

Oblivion with Bells

Underworld · 2007

79 min · 18 tracks · synth-pop

A kaleidoscope of pulsing beats and immersive soundscapes, blending techno, synth-pop, and progressive house seamlessly.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Beautiful Burnout — This track stands out with its hypnotic rhythms and layered vocals, capturing the essence of Underworld's ability to create an immersive listening experience that invites introspection.
  • →
    Crocodile Start here — With its driving beat and intricate production, Crocodile exemplifies the band's knack for blending catchy hooks with deeper sonic explorations, making it a dancefloor favorite.
  • →
    Holding the Moth — The atmospheric build-up and emotive lyrics highlight Underworld's lyrical depth while maintaining a compelling groove, showcasing their unique blend of introspection and energy.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends various electronic styles while maintaining a cohesive sound, though its length affects pacing.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features tracks that build gradually, layering synths and beats to create a dense atmosphere.
  • Several tracks incorporate spoken word elements, adding a narrative quality that contrasts with the instrumental sections.
  • The album closes with two extended pieces that shift in tempo and texture, allowing for a reflective conclusion.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like energy shifts
  • immersive auditory experience
  • introspective moments of calm
  • euphoric peaks and valleys
  • for focused exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • instant gratification seekers
  • fans of straightforward tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A solid entry in their catalog that showcases maturity without being a standout.
Themes
urban nightscape· meditative euphoria· personal transformation
Career context
Released in 2007, Oblivion with Bells marked Underworld's return after a five-year hiatus since their last studio album, A Hundred Days Off. This album came during a period of exploration for the band, as they sought to evolve their sound while still maintaining the energetic essence that defined their earlier work. The record was significant in showcasing their continued relevance in the electronic music scene.
Stylistic neighbors
The Chemical Brothers· Fatboy Slim· Daft Punk

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Crocodile Start here 6:30
  • 2 Beautiful Burnout 8:09
  • 3 Holding the Moth 5:29
  • 4 To Heal 2:36
  • 5 Ring Road 4:31
  • 6 Glam Bucket 5:45
  • 7 Boy, Boy, Boy 6:05
  • 8 Cuddle Bunny vs. the Celtic Villages 2:22
  • 9 Faxed Invitation 4:44
  • 10 Good Morning Cockerel 2:28
  • 11 Best Mamgu Ever 8:45

Disc 2

  • 1 Crocodile Start here 3:57
  • 2 Tokyo Makuhari 1:32
  • 3 Metal Friend 1:37
  • 4 Abbey Road. Slide Show 1:31
  • 5 Good Morning Cockerel 2:31
  • 6 Rez {Live} 9:28
  • 7 ArtJam 1:46

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata