The story behind
The piece Banstyle / Sappys Curry by Underworld is a sonic exploration that spans over fifteen minutes, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its atmosphere. This composition, part of the album Second Toughest in the Infants, is distinguished by the way the group expanded its sonic palette, fusing powerful rhythms with melodies that evoke vast spaces. It is an example of how Underworld, in its "MK2" lineup with Darren Emerson, consolidated its distinctive style.
The gestation of Second Toughest in the Infants, and by extension of Banstyle / Sappys Curry, has a particular origin. The album's title comes from an anecdote starring Rick Smith's nephew, Simon Prosser, who at six years old described his progress in primary school as "second toughest of the little ones." This album, recorded and produced by Underworld themselves with Rick Smith as engineer, also saw the release of singles such as Pearl's Girl and, on later reissues, the well-known Born Slippy .NUXX. In 2015, the album was reissued with expanded editions, including additional material.