More than a few of my friends emailed me this week, asking the same question. “What will an Underworld club show be like?” Last night, D.C. found out: Karl Hyde and Rick Smith brought a collection of 90s anthems, new club bangers and a whole lot of showmanship to a rapturous and energetic crowd at the 9:30 Club.

Production-wise, the stage set up wasn’t much to look at (and no balloons!). A huge LED curtain draped the back and side of the stage — replaced occasionally by a huge screen for video images — putting the focus squarely on the music. All eyes were on Hyde as he twisted and shouted his way across the stage, occasionally pausing to play guitar. Knob-twiddling maestros Smith and Darren Price seemed content behind their enormous music console, contributing backing vocals every once in a while, but otherwise staying in the background.