[TheBang]

It's no secret. They've talked about it in several interviews that there's been tension and conflict between them at various times in the past, but that they've committed to sticking it out and keeping the band together.

I think the current split simply has to do with Rick's current workload. Since the release of Barking, he's been almost exclusively doing work for Danny Boyle, going from Frankenstein, to the Olympics, to Trance. That's probably left a lot less time and attention to be able to focus on Underworld collaborations. Karl has contributed some to the projects, but it's mostly been Rick. So to fill his time, I think Karl has focused on his art and art exhibitions, and now his solo album.

But as they've said in the interviews, I think UW is still planning on sticking together, and they'll continue to put stuff out when the schedule lines up. I think the fact that they are playing shows just a month before Karl's solo album release and solo tour supports that.