When the two members of a musical duo have the same last name, can they ever actually break up?
Orbital tried this once before. About a decade after their initial colorful contributions to the pioneering wave of early-90s techno, they (unintentionally) used Blue Album as the melancholic swan song signaling their imminent separation. But then! After the nostalgic reminder of seeing each other at consecutive Queen’s Birthday soirées, Paul and Phil Hartnoll felt compelled to reignite their most popular and chart-topping of acts, subsequently performing at several festivals and eventually releasing the “with it” titled Wonky LP just two years ago. It wasn’t received badly. But it also wasn’t the musical equivalent of an engagement ring.
So they’ve broken up again! For good! Or so they tell us. A statement posted to their website attests to Phil’s DJ aspirations, while Paul intends to use his newfound solo status to improve his newfound solo project, called 8:58. “We’ve had our ups and downs, and it’s not always been easy, but I’ve loved my time with Orbital,” says Paul. “But nothing lasts forever and it’s time to stop.”
Here’s a trip down soul-releasing memory lane:
• Orbital: http://www.orbitalofficial.com
More about: Orbital
