Founded in the white heat of the rave era, Orbital became one of British dance music's defining acts.
Helping to push electronica as an album based art form, their flexible, vivid, improvisatory live shows became a crossover success.
Splitting in 2004, the Hartnoll brothers reformed in 2008 and since then have played shows across the globe.
Now, though, it seems that Orbital have decided to hang up their specs. In a note on their website, the duo confirmed plans to cease activities and focus on solo endeavours.
"Nothing lasts forever," says Paul Hartnoll, "and it's time to stop. Since finishing the soundtrack with Flood and PJ Harvey for the BBC One television show Peaky Blinders, I’ve now got my own new project, '8:58' which I'm really excited about. It's a continuation of my work from the past 25 years but with a new vitality taking me on to something fresh, mixed with the best of what I've put into Orbital. Expect some live shows soon where I will be playing a mixture of my new music alongside my Orbital favorites."
Phil Hartnoll is set to focus on his DJing exploits/ "I am really enjoying playing a mixture of my own exclusive Orbital remixes mixed with some great new dancefloor tracks. I have also been discovering so much talent along the way and look forward to potential collaborations. Orbital has been fantastic, but like the Bond movie – "Never Say Never Again".
Farewell, Orbital!
Related: Orbital Discuss Their Iconic Glastonbury '94 Set.
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