MUSIC@TWO_SENSER: Orbital - Live at KEXP

When I was a teenager in the late 1990's, Techno was ruling the airwaves. It was alternative, rebellious and had this sub-culture associated with it that made it cool and edgy.

Orbital were at the forefront of this Techno revolution, and helped it become part of mainstream popular music.

The band's name was taken from Greater London's orbital motorway, the M25, which was central to the early rave scene and party network in the South East during the early days of acid house.

Orbital were both critically and commercially successful, and known particularly for their element of live improvisation during shows, a rarity among techno acts.

The English electronic duo, consisting of brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, enjoyed a career that ran from 1989 until 2004.  In 2009 they reformed for a number of live events, but that was about it.

Their music has since become synonymous with countless video games and movie soundtracks. Their electro, punk  influenced beats have remained timeless, even over a decade later.  

But now, finally, they've reunited properly and have been back in the studio recording fresh material.
In this live set from Seattle's KEXP Radio, the lads perform tracks from their new album, Wonky.

Sounding great: