One of the most celebrated electronic albums of the 1990s, Orbital’s Orbital 2 (affectionately known as “The Brown Album”), recently received a comprehensive reissue, expanding its runtime to over four hours with 23 bonus tracks. In support of this release, the Brighton-based brothers performed two exclusive shows in Brighton and Kingston, following a successful UK tour.
The Brighton show at Chalk began with an hour-long DJ set from Conradical. Initial concerns about how Orbital’s renowned light show would adapt to a smaller venue were quickly dispelled; the visual spectacle proved equally effective in the more intimate setting. The duo, donning their iconic light-up goggles, opened their 1 hour 45 minute set with 1991’s ‘Choice’, presenting an eclectic mix of hits and deeper cuts from their discography, including reissued tracks like ‘Lush’ and ‘Halcyon’. The diverse audience, spanning young children to older fans, danced enthusiastically throughout, underscoring Orbital’s enduring relevance.
Orbital has a history of imbuing their primarily instrumental music with political undertones, reflecting their personal views. During ‘Satan’, the screen behind the decks displayed red-filtered clips of political figures, North Korean soldiers, and bombing footage. This culminated in a capitalised “SATAN” formed from smaller video squares depicting the bleakness of the current political climate, before transitioning into the uptempo ‘Beezledub’.
Despite these moments of contemplation, the mood remained consistently energetic. Orbital’s performances are characterised by their infectious enthusiasm and clear enjoyment of their craft. The audience actively participated, singing along to tracks like ‘Halcyon’ (mixed with Belinda Carlisle’s ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’) and their ‘Spicy’ remix of the Spice Girls’ ‘Wannabe’. During these playful moments, Phil Hartnoll, the elder brother, donned a comical wig, perfectly complementing his distinctive horseshoe moustache.
The evening concluded without elaborate theatrics, as Orbital performed their encore song ‘Chime’ after thanking the audience and distributing free t-shirts. The event was a lively celebration, reaffirming Orbital’s status as pioneers in their genre and their continued ability to deliver exceptional live shows three-and-a-half decades into their career.