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ESSENTIAL NEW MUSIC

Essential New Music: The Orb’s “Moonbuilding 2703 AD”

Orb

The Orb—basically founding member Alex Paterson and longtime associate Thomas Fehlmann—are the goddamn godfathers of EDM, unapologetic pioneers of psychedelic samples ‘n’ synth who’ve thrived through the multiple eras of techno, chill-out, ambient-dub, drum ‘n’ bass, progressive house, modern electronica, etc. Inhabiting a solipsistic sonic omniverse of its own creation since the late ’80s, the Orb has again created a collection of drifting studio wizardry replete with languid loops, sci-fi themes and lysergic remnants from days of future past.

Consisting of four lengthy tracks that cruise along at a relaxed-yet-pulsating pace, Moonbuilding 2703 AD is predictably ideal for late-night listening. The isolated sounds can be examined and dissected, or simply enjoyed as an unobtrusive backdrop allowing for an internal voyage of the eternal now. The Orb’s relentless, yet somehow unaggressive dance beats have a timeless quality that endures beyond any specific electronic trends, and its muse remains undamaged by time and space.

—Mitch Myers