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You know those bands which release a knock-out debut, obtaining lots of fans, attention from the media and all, but then time passes..., they release new albums, every new release just worse? Yes, it's not something very uncommon on the music scene. Oh well, but this is absolutely not the case of U-topia. Their releases have been getting better progressively, making me wonder till where it all will go. Yes, this was an introduction to start saying: this album simply rules!

The album has various different moments, but the whole thing follows the same direction. "What do you mean?", you can ask me. I mean it's evident this is an album which hasn't been made just with by putting together a bunch of songs. It has been made to be a full album, and not just a reunion of pieces of music, something that could sound  individual, like if it was alive and breathing...

The album starts with 'Rev', followed by 'Loser' and 'We Get All We Can'. These tracks show the essence of U-topia, the dark trip-hop created on a basis of a rich and complex instrumentation. The beats are very well worked and diversified, varying from plain to clank or broken beats. The influences of the band remain: Bristolian trip-hop style, dn'b, hip hop and some rock influences. Krash doesn't waste time and right on the first songs he starts showing all his ability to make scratchings and loops. Kiara's voice stands clear, as on the previous albums, sounding fragile and sweet and at the same time intense and energetic, on such a way to add bright lights and a hearted-soul to the obscurity and aggressiveness of Krash.

The atmosphere is already hypnotic, and when 'Dèmaquillant Express' fades in the album takes total control of the ambient. This is such an amazing track, counting upon awesome bass lines, scratchings and rich beats, creating the a lush environment which is completed by a nice melody.

The darkness of the album has many shades. On the tracks as 'Down on Me' it sounds more intense, on '(Re)Stop It' it bares reference to upbeat, taking advantage of tribal beats and dn'b influences. On 'Hardcore Secretary' and 'Jesus Wore Hemp', which are instrumental tracks, there's a more intense aggressiveness. The influences on these tracks are several, but the hip hop vibe is in evidence. Krash leaves it clear he's one of the best DJs that the downbeat scene has seen so far. He just knows how to make music and words can't be enough to describe. You got to listen to the songs to understand what I mean.

The darkness does also have moments of nostalgia on the songs 'The Girl Who Makes Love With Smile', 'Sleep Forever' and 'So Close'. Those tracks are softer, but still intense, soulful, like if they were trying to attribute a heart to the shadow. And yes, I think they got it. Those are such beautiful songs. Sleep Forever, particularly, deserves a remark. If I was supposed to point the 10 best tracks on the scene so far, it would certainly be featured on my list.

U-topia is really on the ball. That's one of those bands which make me feel like trip-hop is alive, it's one of those bands I think of when somebody dares to say the genre is decadent. Nope it is not, and U-topia is here to make it clear. Going back a bit to go along: if I had to make a list with the top 10 bands on the scene ever, I have no doubt I'd include U-topia on that list. This album is a masterpiece and totally essential. Don't miss it out!

(But I make an advisory, if poppish tunes are your stuff, you won't find much of it on U-topia; they play the old and good dark trip-hop; that is what they make and make the best...)