Since Orbital first spun the LFO knob back in 1989, their meteoric progression has played an inherent role in defining UK dance music.
They mirrored the consciousness and idealism of an era: rebellious, inclusive, intoxicating. '90s rave culture was ritualistic, a congregation it seemed a lot of the Sydney crowd (28 February) had been missing; there was a palpable sense of anticipation.
Atop a large podium, the duo emerged from behind a motherboard of synthesisers; sporting their iconic flashlight glasses, they appeared like some spectral interstellar insects. Both stood draped in silhouette as a voice-over spoke in riddles about science-y stuff.
Through cacophonous glitches, the Orbital live show clicked into gear.
Both sonically and in presence, the set played out in a conceptual dichotomy. Visually, there was an overt political angle – mostly UK related, though it did feel global at times.
It seemed to highlight the regressive approach of conservative authority, a feeling we know all too well in Sydney, while also touching on themes of racism and bigotry.
Kicking against this somewhat heavy presence was the dazzling euphoria of tracks like ‘Halcyon On & On’ and ‘Belfast’. I can only assume it suggested the strength in knowledge, to not show complacency, with a focus on togetherness, peace, love, unity and all things ravey.
Even Phil and Paul Hartnoll were a lesson in duality. Phil was a rubber ball of energy, jumping around the stage in tribal jubilation while Paul kept a rather composed demeanour, his hands jumping between their arsenal of synthesisers.
The set was a genre-spanning lesson rinsed in acid texture. Gut-busting techno folded into blissful breakbeat without effort, they even snuck in hints of the Doctor Who theme and ‘Heaven Is A Place On Earth’ by Belinda Carlisle.
The Orbital live show is outstanding and revellers left Enmore Theatre with firm nods of approval.
From above on their podium, the Hartnoll brothers commanded a respect unbound. Regardless of whether or not I’ve delved too deep into the thought process of Phil and Paul, one thing’s for sure – last night was lush; definitely for the ravers.
