The story behind
Upon hearing Air Towel, one encounters a piece that condenses the sonic evolution of Underworld. The song, with a duration of 7:37, delves into the exploration of textures and rhythms that defined their era with Darren Emerson. It is a reflection of how the group expanded its musical palette, fusing powerful beats with thought-provoking melodies, building that characteristic sound that sets them apart. The work of Rick Smith as recording engineer and the group's own production are fundamental to understanding the depth and detail appreciated with each listen.
This track is part of the album Second Toughest in the Infants, a work that emerged at a time when Underworld sought to consolidate its identity. The album's title, in fact, comes from a family anecdote: the comment by Rick Smith's nephew, Simon Prosser, about his progress in primary school. The record also saw the release of singles such as Pearl's Girl and, in later reissues, the well-known Born Slippy .NUXX. A remastered and expanded version of this album was released on November 20, 2015, offering new layers to discover.