Orbital - Orbital

Orbital are an odd sort of dance act, I used to get them confused with The Orb, who make similar ambient dance music. This album is one of their earlier efforts. Who are they: They specialise in electronic dance, often with ambient and dark undertones. The group comprise brothers Phil Hartnoll and Paul Hartnoll. Highlights: 'Moebius' is an odd affair, clunky in rhythm and never quite getting off the ground. It sounds like it is trying to be futuristic and I guess some of the sounds in it conjure up images of a bleak Terminator style future. There isn't much melody though and it is a rather weak start. 'Farenheit 303 ...  Read the complete review

Often discarded to the back of the Orbital section (or even to the bargain bin) in your average high-street music shop, this album in serves as the epilogue to the plethora of beautiful music that the brothers Hartnoll have served up over the ten years since. Every person who considers themself an Orbital fan must have this in their collection. All the bleeps and squeaks, lovely rising sounds and clickety-clackety beats to be found in "The Middle of Nowhere" can be traced all the way back to this album as if these guys had some masterplan extending a decade. Listening to this album with some experience of the modern Orbital sound, you will find it ...  Read the complete review

This reminds me of jewellers, seeing the term 'nothing overstated' This album is like the timeless solitaire diamond, a true classic. Nothing done to excess to spoil its image, and it's most highly respected. I can honestly say I wasn't drawn into buying this album because I was curious about Orbital’s early efforts after hearing the greatness they achieved with later releases. On the contrary, it was this album which I first found in the sales, and its strengths led me to buy the rest of their work. Each tune has a common feel to it, yet they never get repetitive or predictable. The only criticism could come from the songs ...  Read the complete review

This is the second album from Orbital and is actually now getting a little long in the tooth (nearly 10 years). It is very much in the style of the music on The Middle of Nowhere and is not out of place now even though it was released back in 1991. The music here on offer blends synthesized sounds with basslines and general rhythms, touching at times on techno (very subtlely). The best sound here for me is Desert Storm as I enjoy the ups and downs that the track takes you through. The Moebius is also a good track, starting off with a sample of a member of the Star Trek crew telling us what a Moebius is. The track then kicks off with several different ...  Read the complete review