Orbital
Orbital is an influential British Electronic music duo known for their contributions to the genre of Techno and Rave music. The group, originally formed by brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll in 1989, has become synonymous with the rise of electronic dance music in the UK during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
History
Orbital was named after the M25 motorway, which circles London, often referred to as "the Orbital" due to its ring-like structure. The Hartnoll brothers began making music in their parents' home in Sevenoaks, Kent, using a combination of synthesizers, sequencers, and samples.
- Early Years: Their first release was the single "Chime" in 1990, which became an instant hit in the UK club scene, charting at number 17 on the UK Singles Chart. "Chime" featured a distinctive sample from the Star Trek: The Next Generation television series.
- Self-Titled Albums: They released a series of self-titled albums known as "The Green Album" (1991), "The Brown Album" (1993), and "Orbital 2" (1993), which included tracks like "Belfast" and "Halcyon" that are now considered classics in the electronic music genre.
- Live Performances: Orbital was known for their energetic live performances, often incorporating elaborate visuals and light shows, which set a new standard for electronic music acts.
- Hiatus and Return: After the release of "The Blue Album" in 2004, the brothers took a hiatus from 2004 to 2009. They reunited in 2009 for a series of live performances and released "Wonky" in 2012, marking their return to music production.
Music and Style
Orbital's music is characterized by:
- Complex, layered electronic beats and sequences.
- Use of samples from various sources, including films, television shows, and speeches.
- Thematic exploration in their albums, with tracks often telling stories or conveying political and social messages.
- A blend of ambient, techno, and house elements, creating a unique sound that was both danceable and intellectually engaging.
Notable Achievements
Legacy
Orbital's impact on electronic music is profound:
- They were instrumental in bringing electronic dance music to the mainstream in the UK.
- Their influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary electronic artists.
- They have been cited as an inspiration by numerous musicians and have helped shape the landscape of electronic music festivals and club culture.
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