Drift Ep. 4, Part 6 - Border Country

[saintrik]

https://underworldlive.com/drift-parts/border-country/

Border Country is the second collaboration with friend of Underworld and DRIFT community member Ø [Phase] and the final part of DRIFT Episode 4. Lithe and restless, it edges and darts through unmapped spaces into a place where grimy nocturnal electronics are driven hard by fizzing hi hats and multiple voices ricochet in from the peripheries.

https://youtu.be/TwFkp1-R0DA

“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. 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.” Rick

“I got a message from my label manager sometime in late 2017 titled ‘contact re Underworld’. 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.” Ashley Burchett aka Ø [Phase]

“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.” Karl

If you like… Low Burn, Dexters Chalk, Dinosaur Adventure 3D… then Border Country belongs to you.

[purlieu]

Yeah, that's really fucking good.

[TheBang]

Right?

[spacejunk]

They did it again!

[Flywaver]

I feel it's worth the hype! It's at 133bpm. Can't find any other Underworld tracks at that speed.It feels at a faster pace like eg Pearl's Girl or NUXX at 140bpm

[khouri]

Haven't heard an Underworld song like this for a long time; the kind of dark, visceral sound that fits their name. I love how the track has so much atmosphere, like it completely envelopes the listener and impedes the possibility of your attention wandering. Absolutely one of the best DRIFT tracks, to be sure.

[darmok]

!!!

When will Ep 4 be available to purchase? Next week?

Given that I preordered the box set, I think I'm going to end up having purchased each of these songs two or three times, and I'm totally fine with that.

[negative1]

awesome, just awesome.

later
-1

[stimpee]

I feel it's worth the hype! It's at 133bpm. Can't find any other Underworld tracks at that speed.It feels at a faster pace like eg Pearl's Girl or NUXX at 140bpm

Surely Tin There is faster? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kerkshbzuo

[Flywaver]

Surely Tin There is faster? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Kerkshbzuo

I didnt say Border Country is fast.It sounds faster than 133bpm

[negative1]

I didnt say Border Country is fast.It sounds faster than 133bpm

maybe parts of it are faster, and the overall bpm just averages 133.

later
-1

[TheBang]

When will Ep 4 be available to purchase? Next week?
Yes, the description says this is the final part of Episode 4, so the EP will be available next week.

[joethelion]

I've only had the chance to listen to this once so far today, but is it just me or does the first like minute and a half / two minutes sound a bit like "Confusing the Sun"?

(the Quazar / Karl Hyde track, which - surprisingly - is on iTunes now)

[deepfriedbeans]

I'm in love.

[philth]

Two thumbs up from me. (Or whatever the equivalent phrase might be in young person speak these days!)

[darmok]

Still blown away. Reminds me a bit of Oliver Lieb's work as LSG, in a really good way.

[domsgotsideburns]

this is one of the best DRIFT tracks so far, no doubt. it sits up there with Listen To Their No and Appleshine Continuum for me. the visceral and bombastic intensity is the mere reason as to why this track so great...it really does hark back to the STITI era, especially with that high BPM. an absolutely essential release.

in the scope of DRIFT episode 4, i'm floored by how challenging this one has been. we have a couple of the most accessible and profound tracks (Listen and Border Country), but they bookend some of the most decisive DRIFT material yet (Hundred Weight Hammer and Altitude Dub). i wonder what adjustments (if any) will surface on the collated episode because i've been so mesmerised by its prolific nature.

[dubman]

Frisson Level: Success


i also enjoy karl's goofy blurb

"people seem to like this live"

yeah man, glad we scientifically road-tested the mass reception to "what if underworld brought the fast techno back". was kind of an unknown quantity before...

[darmok]

in the scope of DRIFT episode 4, i'm floored by how challenging this one has been. we have a couple of the most accessible and profound tracks (Listen and Border Country), but they bookend some of the most decisive DRIFT material yet (Hundred Weight Hammer and Altitude Dub). i wonder what adjustments (if any) will surface on the collated episode because i've been so mesmerised by its prolific nature.


Absolutely the best one so far for me... Schiphol Test is beautiful and Hundred Weight Hammer is exactly the kind of Ring Road / Peggy Sussed / Bebop Hurry mess I love. Can't wait for the collated episode.

[whatmakesustick]

This deserves its own 12" release with some tasty remixes and an extended/full version, then it could take over Ibiza this summer (although I am a little biased!). Loving 5:47 when it kicks in again after the breakdown.

Oh, and I'm loving the Tron like video too.

[taotsu]

I died and went to heaven when I first heard it this morning (JPN time) and have been dancing to this all day. Damn. If I ever get a chance to hear this live and in person.
The video, Simon has totally outdone himself, also hell the guy who’s made the CGI. This is totally cyberpunk for me. Original Ghost in the Shell, Neuromancer, descriptions out of Idolru, etc. Even that very unlucky Johnny Mennomic Movie.
Wish I know where they do the WNW shooting today. I would love to over there and give Simon a hug!

[34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j]

in the scope of DRIFT episode 4, i'm floored by how challenging this one has been. we have a couple of the most accessible and profound tracks (Listen and Border Country), but they bookend some of the most decisive DRIFT material yet (Hundred Weight Hammer and Altitude Dub). i wonder what adjustments (if any) will surface on the collated episode because i've been so mesmerised by its prolific nature.



I'm curious about this as well, this is the first one where I can't really figure how these pieces fit together at all. at least they got a few days to figure it out



yeah man, glad we scientifically road-tested the mass reception to "what if underworld brought the fast techno back". was kind of an unknown quantity before...



I know the Drift series has a lot of new and odd directions but I think it's awesome how they've sorta hit a lot of their various sounds from the past.. A huge banger was the only thing missing. i'm glad they can still do it.

[spacejunk]

What's that noise?

[dubman]

Anyone else find it really hard to hold off making their own Drift album now that this song is out? I've got an all-killer-no-filler 60 minute arrangement going right now that leans hard into the bangers and flows brilliantly. I'm in love, even though I know we have a whole EP left to go. I shouldn't even be doing this since the final album is inevitably going to backstab me and add something risible like HWH, but this kind of anticipatory burn is just too good.

[crank]

Anyone else find it really hard to hold off making their own Drift album now that this song is out? I've got an all-killer-no-filler 60 minute arrangement going right now that leans hard into the bangers and flows brilliantly. I'm in love, even though I know we have a whole EP left to go. I shouldn't even be doing this since the final album is inevitably going to backstab me and add something risible like HWH, but this kind of anticipatory burn is just too good.

So what's your playlist then Brian? inquiring minds want to know!

[hypeless]

Before I knew what it was - the "youtube story" - video and sound both - posted made me think of the Playstation game Rez... especially since I remember reading they had wanted to use Underworld tracks for that game (but didn't get permission...)

Video definitely reminds me of Rez!

[dubman]

So what's your playlist then Brian? inquiring minds want to know!


haha! I'm not brian. was BLD brian? that would make sense. we were the same kind of dickhead...



alright playlist! it heavily favors EP1 as it's still a clear favorite for me...


Another Silent Way
Low Between Zebras
Listen to Their No
Intro BYTWB [though i should make my own 2:30 edit of this]
Appleshine & Continuum [made a 21:20 edit of these mashed together and it works!]
Universe of Can When Back
Dexter's Chalk
Border Country
(looking for another Low Between Zebras type interlude here)
Pinetum
(closer tbd, also hoping for EP5 to come through on it)

so even though it's incomplete if i really wanted to feel like i got The Definite Album, i have been putting this on a loop since i stitched it together and feeling great about it nonetheless. I am somewhat counting on the trend of the last installation of the series being the most ambient one (to mixed results imo, but some good ones nonetheless).
before anyone resents that threat of rain and other longform faves aren't on here, i was fairly ruthless with how i felt an album "works". threat of rain is great, i love it, but it's one giant noodle. it's barely a track. it doesnt extend what it starts on, just ass-grooves into its mood. it'd slow the whole thing down.

[whatmakesustick]

Have you considered Dune for your album closer? Seems perfect to me.

[Bargo]

It's so good that the seven minutes feels like it goes by in a fraction of that time. Been listening to it all day, just love it. Thanks UW. :)

[dubman]

Have you considered Dune for your album closer? Seems perfect to me.

I considered it as a mid-album breather (a bit long), but not this! will try it out, thanks
Dune is of one of those strains where I have an essential hater energy for it but something about it sticks and I end up liking it. I can tell I'm in the middle of that process now

[dubman]

made my 21:20 edit of appleshine and its continuum just now and I'm quite pleased in that way where I know I've done it mostly if not exclusively for grubby selfish reasons, but it works for me!

[taotsu]

So, if I am not miscounting they said they had 3 or 4 more The Nick collars going? That would be an EP by-it-self. Also, if the album comes in October, there are hella lot of weeks open still, no? I guess there will be a summer break after next week, then No. 5 and then the album?! (And by gosh I cannot wait for November for the boxset!)

[TheBang]

So, if I am not miscounting they said they had 3 or 4 more The Nick collars going? That would be an EP by-it-self. Also, if the album comes in October, there are hella lot of weeks open still, no? I guess there will be a summer break after next week, then No. 5 and then the album?! (And by gosh I cannot wait for November for the boxset!)
In the sleeve notes they said they recorded 5 or 6 jams with the Necks. That doesn't necessarily mean we'll get all of them, but I'd imagine probably one more for Drift.

I wrote a potential calendar of the remaining weeks here. Ep 4 was 6 tracks, so it might be something like the 2nd calendar I outlined.

[taotsu]

In the sleeve notes they said they recorded 5 or 6 jams with the Necks. That doesn't necessarily mean we'll get all of them, but I'd imagine probably one more for Drift.

I wrote a potential calendar of the remaining weeks here. Ep 4 was 6 tracks, so it might be something like the 2nd calendar I outlined.

That looks at least possible but I would also not be surprised if they make a dedicated EP as a Drift bonus, as they did with the soundtrack or as singles like the extended Sonia Mode. Well, I’m open to spending some money.

[Cadevil]

Great track...some of the high hats remind me of Dark Train...a really good consistent & fun banging track.


I feel like I get more of the track's intensity listening through headphones rather than on my car's stereo. Two very different experiences for me.


I'll give a (likely) unpopular opinion that this doesn't make the album--at least not in current form. It almost has a You do Scribble feel to it--Which was an amazing live track for many years before iterating to Scribble. You have to wonder why Border Country wasn't released for so long (haven't they been playing it live since last fall?). Perhaps they have been trying to "sharpen" Border Country in the studio?


Anyway my two cents...

[holden]

Fantastic atmosphere in the layers. A classic driving song, one of those relentless tracks that swallows up the road at a fast clip. Love it, especially the arps and vocal right before the 5:48 drop.

Any ideas on the lyrics?

[34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j]

I'll give a (likely) unpopular opinion that this doesn't make the album--at least not in current form. It almost has a You do Scribble feel to it--Which was an amazing live track for many years before iterating to Scribble. You have to wonder why Border Country wasn't released for so long (haven't they been playing it live since last fall?). Perhaps they have been trying to "sharpen" Border Country in the studio?


Anyway my two cents...


we don't really know what the album aims to do yet, do we? If it's a 'best of' Drift sorta thing, then the track is definitely making it, as UW themselves know it's a favorite. but you have to think they have other plans in mind. I've been listening to these EPs a ton so anything 'new' would be excellent.

[potatobroth]

its being released as Drift 4: Space. but i dont see any way to purchase the set as with the other 3. hmm.

[darmok]

its being released as Drift 4: Space. but i dont see any way to purchase the set as with the other 3. hmm.


It was late, but I just got the set from iTunes.

[potatobroth]

yup i got it as well.

[34958hq439-qjw9v5jq298v5j]

just figured out what this reminds me of - the original Born Slippy, the one that y'all picked for the Bootleg Babies comp (with the cut up vocal and such). one of my favorite UW tracks.

[TheBang]

Thanks to jetpig for pointing out this interview with Ø [Phase]:

https://mnmt.no/blog/2019/08/04/o-phase-remember-eminems-nobody-listens-to-techno-lyric-i-lived-through-that-period/

From that interview, there is an unreleased Dub version of Border Country that he's been playing in sets. Also, more collaborations with UW yet to be released.

[taotsu]

Thanks to jetpig for pointing out this interview with Ø [Phase]:

https://mnmt.no/blog/2019/08/04/o-phase-remember-eminems-nobody-listens-to-techno-lyric-i-lived-through-that-period/

From that interview, there is an unreleased Dub version of Border Country that he's been playing in sets. Also, more collaborations with UW yet to be released.

ARGH! WANT!

[bazwint]

Yeah, like someone mentioned earlier BC deserves a proper release. That ship has probably sailed though.

[bazwint]

Bart Skills dropped BC at the Drumcode Festical on Saturday. Sounded fantastic in the context of a full-on techno set.


Ida Engberg dropped Blue Monday in its original entirety too which was a nice surprise. Worked really well. A tune twice as old as most of the listeners :)

[saintrik]

Features "Border Country (Adam Beyer & Bart Skils Remix)" at the end.

:eek: Any word if that remix is getting a release?

[TheBang]

:eek: Any word if that remix is getting a release?

I could've sworn we discussed the remix here, but maybe that was on the Drift Facebook group. Anyway, the remix has been dropped in some of Beyer's sets that past couple months. Someone ripped it from a broadcast, so you can hear some of it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pf6_U64gHE

I assume this will get a full release at some point.

[RoniPhD]

excellent!

[negative1]

Adam Beyer, now thats a name i haven't heard in a long time...

later
-1

[valentingalea]

I for one I'm gutted that this made it on the Sampler vinyl release but not Dexter's Chalk which is imho one of their strongest tracks in like ever! :)

[Cadevil]

Of the 3 Phase tracks, I put Give Me the Room tops, but I would guess that Border Country has the most mainstream appeal.


The Phase songs are really interesting collaborations...I feel like it gives the Underworld sound an element of "danger"--maybe dare I say "emerson"-ish sounds.


Not that these are my favorite Drift songs, because they aren't, I just find them to be an interesting experiment.

[dubman]

Of the 3 Phase tracks, I put Give Me the Room tops, but I would guess that Border Country has the most mainstream appeal.


The Phase songs are really interesting collaborations...I feel like it gives the Underworld sound an element of "danger"--maybe dare I say "emerson"-ish sounds.



shhh, you'll jinx it.

Give Me The Room really soured on me over time. i think it's one of the weakest karl selections of the bunch. "Sanctify" is... not an interesting thing to navel-gaze 50x over about.


I for one I'm gutted that this made it on the Sampler vinyl release but not Dexter's Chalk which is imho one of their strongest tracks in like ever! :)

Although I really like DC.... it has both the best and worst of the lyrics! making "a ring, a pinky... if you break the bargain then you go to hell" sound all intense and dark like that, it's nonsense

[jetpig]

BC is absolutely my favorite. These collabs with Ashley definitely give UW that dark driving clubby edge that has been missing since Emerson left. Though, I also feel like that sound kinda fell out of favor for a while, until the likes of Gesaffelstein and Daniel Avery brought it back in the middle of the decade.

[TheBang]

We knew the video for Border Country had been kicking around for a while, because before being the music video for BC, the visuals were used as part of the projections at the pre-show for Alexandra Palace's Surreal Carnival Experiment gig in 2017.

However, I found its ultimate genesis here, back in 2011, an unused creation of Simon Taylor and Jan Urbanowski for an installation in Hong Kong:

https://vimeo.com/30784950
30784950

[aphasein]

Interesting that the early version of that BC graphic featured a Coil track - was this odd frission while watching it of recognizing the song and assuming was something from an Underworld soundtrack score until it slowly realigned as Coil.