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Orbital, the pioneering electronic duo formed by brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, have left an indelible mark on the landscape of electronic music. Hailing from Otford, Kent, the duo took their name from the M25 motorway, a central fixture in the early rave scene. Their self-titled debut album, also known as The Green Album, was originally released in 1991 and has since become a cornerstone in the genre, influencing countless artists and redefining the boundaries of electronic music.
The album, re-released and remastered in 2024, showcases the duo’s early experimentation with sounds that would later come to define their unique style. Tracks like “Chime,” recorded on a 4-track tape deck in their father’s home office, became instant rave anthems and propelled Orbital into the limelight. The album also features “Halcyon,” a track dedicated to their mother and known for its ethereal qualities, sampling Kirsty Hawkshaw’s vocals from Opus III’s “It’s a Fine Day.” The Hartnoll brothers’ ability to blend techno, acid house, and ambient elements with innovative sampling techniques set them apart from their contemporaries, such as The Chemical Brothers and Underworld, who were also pivotal in the 90s electronic music revolution.
Orbital’s early success was not just confined to their studio work. Their live performances quickly became legendary, with their improvisational approach to electronic music setting a new standard for live shows. A defining moment in their career came with their 1994 headline performance at the Glastonbury Festival, which was broadcast on Channel 4 and reached a massive audience. This performance, which featured their signature head-mounted torches and a mix of their most popular tracks, is often cited as one of the greatest live electronic music performances of all time. It firmly established them alongside other electronic music legends like Aphex Twin and Daft Punk.
Over the years, Orbital continued to evolve, with albums like Snivilisation and In Sides further solidifying their place in the electronic music pantheon. Collaborations with artists such as Alison Goldfrapp and remixes of iconic tracks like the theme from Doctor Who demonstrated their versatility and willingness to push the boundaries of their sound. Their influence can be seen in the works of modern electronic artists like Four Tet and Burial, who have drawn inspiration from Orbital’s groundbreaking approach to music production.
In conclusion, Orbital’s debut album remains a seminal work in electronic music, and its recent remastering allows both old fans and new listeners to experience the brilliance of this pioneering duo. As electronic music continues to evolve, the legacy of Orbital’s The Green Album stands as a testament to the genre’s limitless possibilities and enduring appeal.
