There are few legends in a musical genre just out of its infancy, but from a style that's grown as explosively as rock did in the age of Nirvana, dance music is starting to field its all-star team. Not content to ever sit on the bench, brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll -- otherwise known as Orbital -- are continuing to shatter boundaries as the duo enters its third decade of making music together.

Named for the circular expressway that carted kids to the countryside around London for the first raves, Orbital's techno success formula has always included live performance and instrumentation -- their records appeal not only to ravers but also to music fans across the spectrum. Having satisfied their commitment to longtime label London Records by assembling a greatest hits compilation (Works 1989-2002) that was recently released in the U.K., the brothers Hartnoll are looking forward to July, when their contribution to the already-classic post-party series Back to Mine is released in the U.S.

Orbital have also lined up five summer gigs including the Glastonbury festival and a performance in an old government building by the River Thames. Also on tap is the duo's first film score, for the U.K. indie Octane. "Music still excites us," Phil Hartnoll says. "That's the best thing -- having something that drives you. Get that thing that does it for you. Film is a different discipline for us, a different approach. You've got a job to do, and it's a new challenge."

The Hartnolls aren't too worried about finding a new label. In fact, they are relishing the opportunity to take some time and look for the right fit. "We've had a few offers from labels," Phil says. "I want to be in a position to sign with somebody who's enthusiastic about it. Everyone's working toward success because they truly like the music."

And in the interim, the brothers will be doing a bit more DJing than they've done in the past. "The new breaks sort of stuff is really exciting," Phil says. "There's some really brilliant stuff, which is why we feel like we can go out and DJ. The music is a lot younger, which is great. All of the FischerSpooner stuff and the electro stuff from the Eighties. There's a new energy to it that's really exciting."

ANDREW STRICKMAN
(June 24, 2002)