Even though Orbital had hit the Top 40 of the British singles chart several times by the time they took the stage at the 1994 Glastonbury Festival, they were still largely popular among ravers rather than rock fans or the general public, and some people still got them mixed up with the group that did “Little Fluffy Clouds.” That all changed when their set took place, especially since Channel 4 was providing extensive television coverage of the festival, giving British home audiences their first taste of live electronic music, and subsequently opening the door for the arena-conquering success of acts like the Chemical Brothers, Underworld, and Faithless. Orbital returned to the Glastonbury stage several more times, and the compilation Live at Glastonbury 1994-2004…
Tag Archive: Orbital
Orbital’s second self-titled masterpiece in two years completed the job, initiated by their “green” debut, of evolving classy listening music out of rough-and-ready UK techno – a puerile novelty no more. Where its predecessor carried gonzo nosebleed moments like ‘Speed Freak’, this Orbital completed the metamorphosis into grown-up sophistication: opener ‘Time Becomes’ nods towards avant-garde tape manipulation, while ‘Lush 3-1’s scurrying strings-synth and sublimely rolling melody evoke classical majesty, to a commanding clubland beat.
The latter, plus the eco-nightmare-presaging ‘Impact (The Earth Is Burning) and the ecstatic, Opus III-sampling ‘Halcyon + On + On’, were outright classics of early-’90s dance, and still…
UK Godfathers of Rave Orbital revisit their early Brown album EPs with an ongoing series of ‘Orbital LEDs’ (Limited Edition Drops) – 12” singles re-issued with newly commissioned artwork designed by Intro.
Orbital’s Lush EP, originally released in 1993, is a defining moment in 90s electronic music. Featuring Lush 3-1 and Lush 3-2, these tracks showcased the duo’s ability to blend hypnotic melodies with intricate, electronic beats. The EP, part of their acclaimed Orbital 2 album (aka The Brown Album), captured the essence of progressive house and techno, earning widespread praise. DJs and ravers alike embraced its euphoric yet cerebral sound, solidifying Orbital’s reputation as pioneers. Reissued as part of The Brown Album…