A different kind of dance (Orbital - Orbital)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	Orbital - Orbital
Date:	17/03/09 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: interesting tracks

Disadvantages: dated in parts

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 ' is more accessible, a piano driven track with some house sensibility about it. The track is quite minimal yet has a good rhythm to it which would encourage you to dance. Maybe overlong and needing a trim in the middle, the pianoline could also have done with some variation to keep the interest levels up.

One of the better known pieces is 'Chime' which is a rave and house crossbreed. It is one of those songs which you could easily get lost in, with a hypnotic melody and excellent drum pads. The subtle bassline drives the song well and it is one of the better moments on the album.

My other tip is to head for the moving 'Belfast' which has stirring synth pads and a trippy air about it. I could imagine playing this as a wind down song in a club when everyone has had just way too much excess. Not one to dance to, but one to listen to and soak up with a great ethereal vocal working through it.

Overall:

12 tracks, long cuts ensure a good playing time. If you're expecting euro dance fodder then you won't enjoy, but the tracks are still relevent and they make very different sounding dance music.

Summary: engaging