Underworld Join Forces With Ø [Phase] For Gritty New Track “Border Country”

Underworld are continuing their DRIFT series, once again, bringing their famed electronic sound into new territory with their dark new track “Border Country,” this week. This bleak techno track creates infuses a variety of unique sounds, accentuated with a booming bassline and heavy hitting dance beat, as various distorted vocal overlays lie across the track

“My relationship with Ashley a.k.a Ø [PHASE] began in Autumn 2017 when I first heard his Submerged Metropolitan release.. it’s not an exaggeration to say I immediately fell in love with his music,” says Underworld’s Rick Smith in a press release. “There was a sense of journey and mystery and magic to what I heard. Having worked with him for a little while we know he brings that same magic to the table every time, informed by his deep passion and understanding of the lineage of Techno and a thirst to learn and grow. A lovely talented man.”

Ashley Burhett, aka Ø [Phase], blends a lot of trance elements into their native Belgian sound, which can be seen clearly on the track “Border Country.” Progressive trance synth lines are littered throughout the song, and are happily displayed as a marriage between Underworld and aka Ø [Phase]’s sound.

“I got a message from my label manager sometime in late 2017 titled ‘contact re Underworld,'” says Burchett. “Apparently the guys were keen to meet to ‘talk about some ideas’… ?!?! Within just a few weeks of first meeting we were in Rick’s studio drinking tea, talking together and working on ideas…’Border Country’ came into being gradually, like a photograph coming softly into focus before sharpening into a crisp image, maturing into its final form.”

Although “Border Country” received its official release this week, the track has been a recent staple of the group’s live performances for months now. It premiered in late 2018, and will likely to be a part of the group’s upcoming setlists in the near future.

“We’ve been performing ‘Border Country’ live since November 2018 and though it had never been released we’ve seen how it instantly connects with audiences everywhere we play,” explained Underworld’s Karl Hyde in a press release.