UNKLE - 'Hold My Hand'

Not upbeat enough to move to, certainly not sterile enough to relax to, ‘Hold My Hand’ takes a physical grip on you. From its freight-train start, the sense of movement, slow but unerring progress, steers the song onwards. Forceful bass, a lazy, chugging riff and the strangely tantalising rhythm of monotonous drums holds the brain and body. There’s a robotic quality in the New Order aura that resonates above moody Pet Shop Boys vocals, giving the track a demandingly catchy drive. “You’re not really hearing/you really need releasing,” admit UNKLE, aware of the hypnotic effect of their track. Nevertheless, the repetition throbs on as the command to “hold my hand” persists. The track keeps its stranglehold on your attention until finally letting go with a sneering snigger at the finish. You won’t realise until it’s over, but this is compelling stuff.

Released 22/10/2007 on Surrender All.