The Orb
The Orb is a British electronic music group founded in 1988 by Alex Paterson and Jimmy Cauty. The group is regarded as one of the pioneers of ambient house, a genre that blends elements of ambient music with house and dub influences. The Orb became known for their psychedelic soundscapes, use of samples, and extended compositions that often evoke a dreamy, surreal atmosphere. Their debut album *The Orb's Adventures Beyond the Ultraworld*, released in 1991, was a groundbreaking double album that brought ambient house to a broader audience. The follow-up, *U.F.Orb* (1992), reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and included the hit single "Blue Room," which became the longest single ever to chart in the UK at nearly 40 minutes in length. Over the years, The Orb has undergone various lineup changes, with Paterson remaining the consistent core member. The group has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and Youth. Their later works have continued to explore a fusion of dub, ambient, and electronic music. Known for their immersive live performances and studio experimentation, The Orb has maintained a dedicated fan base and a lasting influence on ambient and electronic music culture worldwide.
