After calling time back in 2004, they stepped back into the limelight four years ago, with a clutch of festival shows and appearances during the past few years. This very special gig at the Royal Albert Hall, though, is different.
Back with new album Wonky, their first in eight years, the Hartnoll brothers are not just riding the reunion train, but are picking up where they left off. Fuelled by the goodwill they felt when they returned in 2008, they decided rather than just continuing to tour Halcyon, Satan et al, if they were to keep going, it was best to make a new record – so they did.
Wonky is not a dancealbum, but an ‘electronic record’, Paul told us when we caught up with him amidst finalising details ahead of this summer season-kickstarting tour. Running the gamut of the Orbital canon, Wonky takes a song- based approach – a holistic attitude embraced by producer Flood, who the brothers cajoled into working on the release – that incorporates electro, techno, house and more. Diverse, but always an Orbital record, it sits so easily among their back catalogue that album opener One Big Moment will begin the set on this tour.
Known for their improvisational live approach, the Hartnoll’s have been busy working on a new show and production for Wonky’s life on the road as well, so prepare to be blown away – Orbital are back.
The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, SW7 2AP
Tube | South Kensington
royalalberthall.com
Tues, Apr 10 | Doors at 7pm | £25
