On a night of torrential downpour, we walked into the large entrance hall of The Concorde. The band were getting ready to commence their set so my colleague and I grabbed a cold glass of beer before settling ourselves at the front of the crowd to gain a good spot on the dance floor.
 
On entering the main room, I could see Alex Paterson and Thomas Fehlmann preparing their equipment on stage in preparation for their performance. This triggered in me a sense that their musical royalty has escaped them in recent years. But I was soon to have that belief challenged as the gentle groan of manipulated samples filled my lobes and droves of fans swarmed around me. My once perfect spot on the dance floor was now obstructed by waving hands and bouncing bodies.
 
Alex Paterson, was seen sporting a t-shirt emblazoned with a familiar image from the cult classic, Ren and Stimpy show whereas German House musician, Thomas Fehlmann opted for a more understated dress code presenting himself neutrally next to Paterson on the stage.
 
Paterson, the last remaining original founder of the Orb is certainly the brainchild behind this recent venture, titled the 25th Anniversary Tour. He is providing the “mix” whilst Thomas glowing in the limelight of his Macintosh screen provides much of the samples during the course of the evening. They opened their set with a mellow hip-hop inspired track complemented by a heavy bass line which excited the crowd to a gentle bounce and wave.
 
At times the set had an organic feel, as they responded to the energy of the audience with telepathic accuracy. Samples of organic crunch settled amongst the bass and provided a wonderful array of textures to excite the senses. Little Fluffy Crowds teetered through the PA but only for a short moment before it was mixed into a different piece of work.
 
The whole affair felt much more civilised than I previously anticipated it would. There was the occasional tie-die t-shirt and obligatory cheese cloth shirt amongst the crowd gracing the backs of the middle-aged, once-young party go-ers, who would have gladly held up their glowsticks in appreciation had it not been that they may have spilt their G&T.
 
Half way through their set Fehlamn left the stage leaving Alex to drive the set forward. I did miss the energy that the duo had provided but still, Alex kept the crowd engaged and the excitement amongst the crowd didn’t wane.
 
My favourite chapter of their set included a track containing manipulated harp samples, birds tweeting complemented by biocentrism imagery. Throughout the evening we were treated visually to a projected light show. I couldn’t help but get lost in the combination of imagery and African drums and painted tribal men which was complemented by darker realms of their instrumentals evoking a voodooist feel amongst the crowd. There were also Mayan references, and that of cerebra; imagery that alluded to the bands appreciation of crop circles and other esoteric beleifs.
 
Their set was dynamic in terms of influences and certainly more bass driven than I had previously expected. I have to admit I was expecting The Orb to be a lot more eccentric but their set has changed, they’ve become modern almost, the nostalgia of yesterday occasionally filtering through with a roar and clap of appreciation when their classics are being performed.
 
I would like to see them play a more intimate venue, perhaps with areas I could lounge in with my friends and hand them my handwritten requests for “Perpetual Dawn” and “Ghostdancing” to appreciate their downtempo tracks. Saying this though, the venue was the perfect setting for this particular event and a wonderful way to celebrate their 25 anniversary, and I think the crowd would agree with me. It is apparent that Paterson hasn’t lost his passion for live performance or his art. The image of him imitating the action of a twitching bunny rabbit to express his joy at seeing the crowd enjoying his work, will be one that fills with me affection whenever I recall this most colourful evening.
Alexandra Lea
 
Website: theorb.com