THE BRITISH ELECTRONICA ACT known as Underworld first pulsated into the American music psyche when a remix of the previously overlooked single "Born Slippy" appeared in the climactic scene of Danny Boyle's heroin chic film "Trainspotting" in 1996. But the core duo of Karl Hyde and Rick Smith actually has been together in some form since the early '80s.

Underworld has always been ahead of the curve in terms of sound and new formats for releasing music. While combining rock guitars, house beats and vocal experimentations is fairly commonplace in various musical genres these days, Underworld was dabbling in guitar-driven techno well before it was fashionable.

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Underworld performs Friday at Center Stage.
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And in 2005 and 2006, Underworld released three albums in an online-only format before trendsetters like Radiohead, Saul Williams and Nine Inch Nails found digital-release success.

After scoring films (again partnering with Boyle for 2007's "Sunshine" soundtrack) and continuing to explore the Internet as a means for getting music and information to fans, Underworld released "Oblivion With Bells" last October. Again combining ethereal sounds, broken beat grooves, hip-hop beats, IDM-like electronic effects and the now-signature robotically monotone lyrics, the album finds the group moving progressively forward with its already unique sound.

Before heading to Miami for this weekend's Winter Music Conference, followed by a string of European dates and a U.S. tour with Radiohead, Underworld makes its Atlanta debut this week with a high profile show at an intimate venue. Electronica fans will definitely want to catch what might prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime Atlanta performance.

• THE 411: Underworld with Ian James. $54. 9 p.m. March 28 (doors open at 8). Center Stage, 1374 W. Peachtree St., Midtown. 404-885-1365, www.underworldlive.com, www.centerstage-atlanta.com.