From the sleeve notes for the latest release End Titles...Stories For Film released in July 2008, the current line-up is stated as James Lavelle and Pablo Clements, also a member of the Psychonauts.
The original line-up was James Lavelle, Tim Goldsworthy (now a member of DFA) and Kudo (Major Force West, Skylab). This incarnation released several EPs and singles, usually involving collaborations with other Mo'Wax affiliated artists.
In 1998, after the departure of Goldsworthy and Kudo, Lavelle enlisted US producer DJ Shadow to help complete UNKLE's debut album, "Psyence Fiction". On this album they collaborated with a variety of guest artists including Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Mike D (Beastie Boys), Badly Drawn Boy and Richard Ashcroft (The Verve). The album contained songs which merged indie-rock with hip hop.
In 2003 UNKLE released "Never, Never, Land". At this time UNKLE consisted of Lavelle and new collaborator Richard File, and the album also featured Ian Brown (The Stone Roses), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), Mani (The Stone Roses, Primal Scream) and others.
A third album entitled "War Stories" was released in July 2007. It features collaborations with Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Ian Astbury (The Cult), Autolux, Robert Del Naja (Massive Attack), The Duke Spirit, and Gavin Clark, and is far more strongly rock-influenced than previous releases. The album was preceded by an EP, Nights Temper, of which a limited pressing was released in May 2007.
Lavelle has also released several mix albums and remixes under his own name and under the name UNKLEsounds (together with Richard File).
UNKLE is known for remixing music from artists such as Explosions in the Sky, Massive Attack, and Oasis.
May Day
UNKLE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's uh, a bit screwed
But you can't catch my love
I ebb and you flow
It's uh, a bit screwed
But you can't catch my nerve
These scars are discerning
I ebb and you flow
It's uh, a bit screwed
But you can't catch my nerve
The lyrics to Unkle's song "May Day" featuring The Duke Spirit can be interpreted as a reflection on a relationship that has its ups and downs, but still remains unbreakable. The phrase "I ebb and you flow" suggests that the two individuals in question have different energy levels, one person may be more high strung while the other may be more laid back. The line "It's uh, a bit screwed" implies that this difference in temperament may cause some tension, but it isn't enough to damage the relationship. The repetition of "But you can't catch my love/nerve" further emphasizes this idea of unwavering loyalty and devotion to each other despite any challenges they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
I ebb and you flow
Our relationship is characterized by one of us coming forward and the other one stepping back
It's uh, a bit screwed
This dynamic isn't ideal and can be difficult to navigate
But you can't catch my love
Despite the challenges, my affection cannot be contained or captured
These stars are descending
The night sky is changing and transitioning, symbolizing a shift in our relationship
These scars are discerning
Our past wounds and experiences inform how we interact with each other
But you can't catch my nerve
Despite everything, my emotions and reactions remain my own and cannot be controlled or dictated by my partner
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: OLLY BETTS, TOBY BUTLER, LUKE FORD, DANIEL LIAM HIGGINS, LIELA ROSEMARY SADIE LOUISE MOSS, JAMES GABRIEL LEO LAVELLE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind