B<$>EFORE all but dropping below the radar the duo known as 1Undread were tipped as the heirs apparent to the local electronic music empire. But after a brief absence they have returned with their latest album, simply entitled Welcome To Bermuda<$>.With the explosive growth of music technology, many DJs and artists have carved their niches with diverse sub-genres best described as ‘electronica’. 1Undread have gone one better with their hybrid brand of music which has been heavily influenced by drum ‘n bass, acid jazz, trip hop and, of course, reggae.

The 14-song album is chock full of bass heavy but well-composed tunes, according to one fan of 1Undread who described the album as “sheer musical genius”. The lyrical content complements the music, which is one important aspect in the success or failure of an album.

The opening song, Swing Low, features the vocal talent of Nic Swan whose signature sound makes all of the 1Undread offerings a must in any music enthusiast’s collection.

One interesting thing about 1Undread’s music is that it can be a tad mind-twisting (which isn’t a bad thing) and bluesy without having to rely on a multitude of special effects to create a tight, crisp, full sound. Nic has been quoted as saying “vocals play an important part in popular music, the voice is what people hang on to for many reasons, the humanness”.

In a previous interview, Nic heaped praise on her performing partner and hubby Brian, saying he’s an “easy person to work with who writes music very quickly and I improvise the vocal parts”.

This isn’t a case of haste makes waste as this album is full of thoughtfully-crafted songs that have seamless transitions between genres.

It was no easy feat to accomplish this and I had to admit I could not find where trip hop began and the Drum ‘n Bass ended.

All of the tracks are easy to dance to and are infectious and are worthy of airplay. Another catchy tune, The All of Nothing<$>, is a jazzy tune with some snazzy keyboard loops and double bass improvisation by Brian, who also serves as the duo’s music programmer.

His exposure to such gateway genres as classical, jazz, rock, country and reggae has led him to start composing deep house, dub, trip hop, ambient and, of course, techno and the fruits of his labours are evident in this album.

Welcome to Bermuda<$> is definitely a keeper and has helped to resurrect the contingent of local artists. Movie buffs have long known electronica has earned a spot being played on the big screen with such movies as the cult classic Clockwork Orange, Trainspotting <$>and The Matrix<$>.

This album, bar none, is worthy of airplay and has crossover appeal from the videographer who needs a score for a project to an aspiring DJ who is looking for an album that packs a musical punch.

Brian has seemed to have his finger on the pulse of success and when he writes music it flows from him and from this well-spring of musical experience he has created several polyrhythmic tunes, all of which are electronic.

The grooves are infectious and thoughtfully crafted into a polished product that will have mass appeal. There is no doubt that electronic music is the music of the new millennium and after I listened to Welcome to Bermuda<$>, 1Undread have a bright future ahead of them.