orbital – Bec's adventures in music

The Triffid – 27 February 2019

Orbital at the Triffid – photo Bec Harbour

Orbital came along for me when guitar based music was at a slow ebb and I was having a hard time finding anything that sounded new and exciting – I found their mix of electronic and samples of music I loved (Butthole Surfers Sweat Loaf anyone?). Friends who had experienced their live shows let me know that I was in for an amazing experience covering this show. I thought I would never get to see them live with them splitting in 2004 and again in 2017.

Rebel Yell began the night with a solid DJ set that warmed the crowd up for the main event. Paul and Phil Hartnoll came out to a crowd that was ready to dance filling their set with well known songs such as Chime and Halcyon.

The light show was impressive (I was slightly miffed that the best imagery was on AFTER my 3 song curfew). There was a lot of abstract commentary on events around the world in the imagery that may have been lost on the crowd.

I highly recommend seeing Orbital before Paul and Phil Hartnoll decide to retire the concept again. Their unique blend of electronica, punk and ambience has never been replicated, they recreate their music live in such a way that it keeps you guessing but leave no doubt what song they are playing.