Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark

Full performer name: Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark.
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark: Paul Humphreys (vocals, keyboards, percussion, electronic percussion, programming); Andy McCluskey (vocals, keyboards, bass, electronic percussion, programming).
Additional personnel: Dave Fairbairn (guitar); Martin Cooper (saxophone); Malcolm Holmes (percussion).
Includes liner notes by Paul Browne.
Composer: Julia Kneale.
Personnel: Paul Humphreys (vocals, keyboards, percussion, electronic percussion, programming); Andy McCluskey (vocals, keyboards, electronic percussion, programming); Dave Fairbairn (guitar); Martin Cooper (saxophone); Malcolm Holmes (percussion).
Audio Remasterer: Simon Heyworth.
Liner Note Author: Paul Browne.
Arrangers: Andy McCluskey; Paul Humphreys.
This 1980 debut by the duo of Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys is an important milestone in the history of synth-pop. Prior to ORCHESTRAL MANOEUVRES IN THE DARK, synthesizer-based pop was either austere and/or deliberately unpleasant such as Kraftwerk or Throbbing Gristle, or novelty music the likes of M's "Pop Muzik."
This eponymous set was among the first by an almost entirely synthesizer-based band to focus on the creation of catchy, melodic pop songs. The tunes and lyrics are substantial, with the lovely "Julia's Song," and the semi-hit "Electricity," among the standouts. Other songs, like "The Messerschmitt Twins"--an early contender for the band name--and "Pretending To See the Future," are more atmospheric, but never formless. Although later OMD albums were more assured and technically complex, this is one of their best.