It’s been three years since legendary UK rave duo Orbital announced that they would be “hanging up their iconic torch-glasses and parting ways for the final time.” Yes, the group has been breaking up and getting back together since they first hit the scene back in ‘89, but this time they seemed serious. It was 2014, and Orbital was splitting for the second time after headlining music festivals, pumping out 7 albums, and influencing the electronic music genre forever. Well, clearly the two brothers couldn’t stay apart, because today they’ve announced that they’re officially reuniting. This news comes with the release of a new song, “Copenhagen.”
Alongside “Copenhagen” comes the news that Orbital will being playing in the US for the first time in five years, at the inaugural Electronic Music Awards in Los Angeles. “We’re so excited to be coming back to the USA . We love it there and have missed it over the past five years . It was an Essential part of our Orbital lives in the past and we can’t wait to make it our present again. The EMAs are long overdue and we’re proud to be part of this inaugural event”. Orbital will be bringing a new and improved version of their classic dancefloor set to the EMAs September 21st.
The impact of Orbital in the dance music genre is indisputable, their style of textured soundscape and live improvisation has become a mainstay in electronic music for decades. An element of political commentary is often present in their music, as well, something that must be accomplished creatively in a genre often without lyrics. One track, “The Girl with the Sun in Her Head” from In Sides was recorded in a studio powered only by Greenpeace’s mobile solar power generator.
One of the most significant announcements today came quietly. Tucked into the email press release was the confirmation of rumors that the duo would be working on a new album. This “new album on the horizon” will be their 8th studio album, following 2012’s Wonky. There was no specifics on when we can expect the new work, but maybe more information will be revealed at tomorrow’s Electronic Music Awards.
Leave a Comment