7/10

Ever since they first emerged, Orbital have stood as one of the flag-bearers of the UK's dance music scene. Standing up their with The Chemical Brother, Leftfield and Underworld as the most era-defining electronic acts of the 90s, the duo's sound has continued to evolve in the decades since, keeping them one step ahead of their contemporaries and creating a vibrant legacy for themselves. Now as they pass their thirtieth year together, they return with their tenth studio album 'Optical Delusion', a record that looks to call back to their origins throughout.

While many others in their field have tried to move with the times to keep themselves relevant, Orbital have always had this timeless feel to their work, allowing them to pursue more of their original sound within a modern guise. Throughout 'Optical Delusion', it feels as though they are stepping more towards a progressive ideal this time around. While the record's tracklisting remains littered with guest vocalists on almost every track, they are merely bit-players to Orbital's thunderous production that remains the beating heart of this entire full-length.

Although it still looks to harness that rich and atmospheric energy they have always maintained, 'Optical Delusion' is more about branching into more explorative territory than creating a pulsing club-ready collection. This is armchair electronica at its finest, something to really take in under your skin and absorb every minor eccentricity.