Album
Vermilion Sands

posted: 2024-08-23 Snivilisation Orbital

released: 1994-08-23
on label: FFRR
artist: Orbital
genres: TechnoAmbient Techno
with some: IDM
more reviews: Internet Archive

The political commentary inherent in 1994’s Snivilization extended even to the Top 30 single “Are We Here?,” whose criminal justice bill mix voiced Phil and Paul’s concern over what the bill might lead to – silence. Musically, the album delivers on the diverse promises of early B-sides “Choice” and “Belfast,” with more harbingers to their thrash background – especially on “Quality Seconds” – and the addition of a third member, vocalist Alison Goldfrapp, on two songs. The shuffling, quasi-Eastern jungle rhythms of “Are We Here?,” a beautiful piano run to begin “Kein Trink Wasser,” and the glorious ambient climax “Attached” also reflect the fact that Snivilization is Orbital’s most varied LP.