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Orbital

Brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, hailing from Sevenoaks, Kent, formed Orbital in 1989, quickly gaining prominence in the UK rave scene with their ground-breaking fusion of house, techno, and ambient influences. Their breakout track, “Chime,” recorded on their father’s cassette deck, rose to number 17 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming an enduring rave anthem. Known for their immersive, improvisational live performances and iconic head-torch look, Orbital reshaped the possibilities of electronic music on stage.

From their influential early albums—*Orbital* (also known as the "Green Album") and *Orbital 2* ("Brown Album")—to the genre-defining *Snivilisation* and *In Sides*, the Hartnoll brothers have consistently pushed the boundaries of electronica, experimenting with intricate rhythms, cinematic atmospheres, and socio-political commentary. Their music crossed over to mainstream audiences through appearances at major festivals such as Glastonbury, and their tracks have featured in film soundtracks including *Trainspotting* and *The Saint*. Despite occasional hiatuses, Orbital have remained a vital force in electronic music, both in the studio and on stage.

Their commitment to live reinterpretation keeps their performances fresh and unpredictable, while albums like *Wonky* (2012), *Monsters Exist* (2018), and *Optical Delusion* (2023) showcase their continued evolution. Over three decades, Orbital have influenced a generation of producers and defined a uniquely British take on electronic music, making them true pioneers within the genre.

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Genres:

Electronic - Techno - House - Ambient - IDM - ProgressiveHouse - Trance - Breakbeat

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UPDATED : 7 July 2025 at 21:20

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