Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, one of the UK’s most iconic bands, are back with their first new album in 14 years. The appropriately entitled ‘History Of Modern’ via Bright Antenna Records through Warner Music Group’s Independent Label Group, has already sold over 100,000 copies. And what a return!
Andy McCluskey has called it ‘our best album since Architecture and Morality’ – and few would disagree. The album was produced by OMD and mixed by one of the UK’s most in demand producers Mike Crossey (Artic Monkeys/Blood Red Shoes/Razorlight).
Last autumn the classic OMD line up of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper (keyboards) and Malcolm Holmes (drums) embarked on their sold-out ‘History of Modern’ European tour. The press raved. The Times praised their “well-crafted song structures, lush arrangements and energetic stage performance” while Q Magazine declared them ‘soaring synth-pop of the highest order’.
The tour is now officially heading stateside this March with North American stops including Boston, NY, LA, SF, Toronto and playing select shows at this year’s SXSW. It will be the group’s first US outing with the original line up since their 1988 stadium tour with Depeche Mode. After three years of critically acclaimed sold- out concerts in the UK and Europe these dates will feature the band mixing their most celebrated and classic hits; ‘Enola Gay’, ‘So In Love’ ‘If You Leave’ and ‘Souvenir’ with new songs, creating a distinctly contemporary live show.
It’s nearly thirty years since OMD first harnessed their creative and commercial powers, and 2010’s comeback album ‘History Of Modern’ proves they still have a way with a warm melody and interesting lyric. For all their love of experimental German music, the Wirral duo remains at heart, slaves to the pop song. History of Modern is a powerful, pulsating, vibrant testament to their shared pop sensibility. Tracks such as ‘Pulse’, ‘Save Me’, ‘Sister Marie Says’ and ‘The Future’ are huge dancefloor fillers while downtempo gems ‘Bondage Of Fate’, ‘If You Want It’ and ‘Sometimes’ are simply beautiful, classic OMD songs that invoke their pioneering and influential electronic roots. Many of today’s electro artists such as LCD Soundsystem’s James Murphy, Mark Ronson, The XX, MGMT and The Killers have repeatedly cited OMD as a massive inspiration.
To view a selection of live performances by OMD: watch here
OMD are offering special VIP tickets which can be purchased at omd.brightantenna.com.
Pre-sale tickets are available Monday, January 10th while normal ticketing goes on sale Friday, January 14th via each venue’s websites and Ticketmaster.
VIP package $150
Admittance to show, intimate soundcheck experience AND band meet and greet. Exclusive autographed 8×10 photo and exclusive t-shirt. Plus tour program and your choice of “History of Modern” CD or 180-gram vinyl w/ digital download. Limited to 30 people per venue.
GOLD Package: $100
Admittance to show AND intimate soundcheck experience. Exclusive autographed 8×10 photo and exclusive t-shirt. Plus tour program and your choice of “History of Modern” CD or 180-gram vinyl w/ digital download. Limited to 70 people per venue.
All tickets are general admission.
OMD
VIP tickets which can be purchased at omd.brightantenna.com
HISTORY OF MODERN U.S TOUR DATES:
March 5th Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre
March 6th Montreal, QC Le National
March 7th Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
March 8th New York, NY Webster Hall/Irving Plaza
March 10th Washington, DC 9.30 Club
March 12th Chicago, IL Park West
March 14th Atlanta, GA The Loft
March 16th Houston, TX House Of Blues
March 17th Austin, TX SXSW
March 18th Austin, TX SXSW
March 19th Austin, TX SXSW
March 20th Dallas, TX House Of Blues
/Granada Theatre
March 22nd Denver, CO Bluebird Theatre
March 23rd Salt Lake City, UT Depot
March 25th Los Angeles, CA The Music Box
March 26th San Francisco, CA Regency Ballroom