Back catalogue: Balearic/Downtempo

Review: The Orb's 13th album is a carefully crafted collection of tracks that are couched in minimal techno and ambient house. The first half embraces so-called 'Schaffel' rhythms, while the second half explores classic Orb sonic landscapes and features guest appearances from Schneider TM and Ulf Lohmann. The likes of 'Captain Korma' are warmly infused melodic jaunts with shimmering vocals, 'Cool Harbour' is a lumpy, dubby and off-balance workout and 'Kompagna (Zandic mix)' is a raw, experimental blend of harmonic tones, smeared samples and ambient bliss. This one, then, continues The Orb's legacy of genre-defying music which started in the late 80s when they pioneered chill-out and ambient house.

Review: Dr. Alex Paterson's latest endeavour, Orboretum: The Orb Collection, is a limited-edition retrospective that spans the career of The Orb, charting their decades-long journey across a four-LP set. Beautifully packaged in an octagonal sleeve that unfolds into a massive flower, each disc is pressed in a unique colourigreen, lilac, orange, and blue, reflecting the four seasons that inspired the collection's structure. With tracks carefully selected by Paterson himself, the compilation delves into their storied output, mixing iconic cuts from Abolition of the Royal Familia and Prism with rarities and fresh takes on classics. This set isn't merely a nostalgic trip through The Orb's golden years, though, it's a "director's cut," as Paterson puts it, one that reframes their vast catalogue to reveal new pathways and connections between works that span decades. Discs A and B highlight their collaborations with Universal, while discs C and D turn the spotlight on their independent ventures with labels like Cooking Vinyl, Kompakt, and Liquid Sound Design. With sleeve notes by Kris Needs and each track handpicked by Paterson, Orboretum is a masterclass in electronic evolution, blending roots with recent highlights. For die-hard fans and newcomers alike, the four-LP set is an ode to the timeless, boundary-pushing ethos that has kept The Orb relevant for over 30 years. The collection is also available as a two-CD set with a 24-page booklet, ensuring everyone can find their own slice of ambient heaven.

Review: Orboretum: The Orb Collection is a comprehensive 2xCD set curated by Dr Alex Paterson, showcasing the evolution of The Orb's sound across three decades. This collection not only revisits classic tracks from their pioneering days but also highlights recent gems from Abolition Of The Royal Familia (2020) and Prism (2023), acclaimed as some of their finest work. This "director's cut" reimagines The Orb's extensive catalog, juxtaposing tracks from different eras to reveal a continuous thread in their music. Known for their ambient house and psychedelic influences, The Orb's work has consistently pushed boundaries, from their groundbreaking 1991 debut album to their latest releases. This collection serves as both a tribute to their past and a celebration of their ongoing innovation in electronic music.