UNDERWORLD / Bring Light I Fuji Rock 2003 (2CDR)

UNDERWORLD – Bring Light I
(2CDR) SY0495
FRF’03: Live at Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan – July 25, 2003

mo move / mmm skyscraper i love you /
rez/cowgirl / two months off / king of snake
pearl’s girl / dinosaur adventure 3d / jumbo
twist / rowla / born slippy / moaner (fade in)

Disc 1: 6 tracks, total time 57:23
Disc 2: 6 tracks, total time 62:19

Summer Festival Release #3!!
Following the release of *A Hundred Days Off* and a transformation into a more mature act, the "new" Underworld returned to Japan—roughly ten months after their previous tour—to perform at Fuji Rock Festival, an event they clearly love!!
This release features a complete, high-quality recording of their performance as the Green Stage headliners on July 25, 2003!!
While there is some slight sound fluctuation typical of an outdoor venue, the bass is powerful and the impact is immense!! It’s an irresistible gem that will make any club music fan’s body react instinctively!! This is meant to be enjoyed at high volume!!
The basic setlist mirrors the previous year's tour, but given their DJ background, they naturally don't stick to the exact same mixes!! The percussive rhythms—influenced by African beats—are packed with groove!! Their signature soothing trance vibes are also excellent!! They perform classic tracks like "Rez/Cowgirl" and "Two Months Off," too. A full two hours and 12 tracks in total. A fantastic item for fans—a "Fuji Rock mix" experience!!

[Review from a specialized magazine]
A recording from this year's Fuji Rock Festival.
It is an audience recording; while the audio quality is high, it is a shame that the stereo imaging is slightly off-center. Several Underworld recordings from this year are circulating, and since there is no significant difference in sound quality among them, this disc should be perfectly fine in that regard.
Looking at the performance as a whole, a major highlight is the fantastic sound of the synthesizers. In terms of synth sound, this disc might well be the best of the bunch. On track ○, the stereo image leans slightly to the right, and it lacks a bit of punch. Track ○ flows wonderfully—as always—and it really drives home the fact that this sequence of tracks functions as a single, cohesive piece. The inclusion of authentic crowd noise adds an interesting touch. Track ○ is also truly magnificent; the audience's reaction confirms it, but the sense of openness in this song is undoubtedly among the best in Underworld's entire catalog. The sound quality is impeccable.
It is a bit of a shame that the bass feels thin on track ○ of the second disc. Since the synths come through so beautifully, it would have been better if the low end had more body. Track ○, meanwhile, inevitably feels a bit formulaic; the audience applause sounds somewhat perfunctory, which makes the track lack a bit of excitement.