Register or sign in to add a reaction

Orbital is an English electronic music duo consisting of brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll. Formed in 1989 in Sevenoaks, Kent, the group rose to prominence during the early 1990s as part of the UK's emerging rave and techno scenes. They are widely recognized for their intricate productions, emotive melodies, and live performances that often feature improvisation and synchronized visuals. The name "Orbital" is a reference to the M25 motorway that circles London, which was central to the rave scene at the time. Their breakout came with the single "Chime" in 1989, which became a hit and helped to bring underground acid house into the mainstream. Throughout the 1990s, Orbital released a series of influential albums including "Orbital" (often referred to as the Green Album), "Orbital 2" (the Brown Album), and "In Sides." These works combined elements of techno, ambient, and cinematic soundscapes, earning the group critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. Known for their headlamp-wearing stage presence and powerful live sets, Orbital became a staple at major festivals such as Glastonbury and played a significant role in legitimizing live electronic performance. Though the duo announced a breakup in 2004, they reunited in 2009 and have since continued to release new music and tour. Their later works, such as "Wonky" (2012) and "Monsters Exist" (2018), show an evolution in style while retaining the core aspects of their sound. Orbital's contribution to electronic music remains substantial, influencing a wide array of artists and helping to define a generation of British electronic music.

Comments