Back catalogue: Leftfield

Review: By the time they got to their fifth album, Liverpool synth pioneers OMD were deep into their glossy, technicolor phase and this reissue of Junk Culture brings all the sharp edges and weird charms back into focus. It's a record that manages to be sleek and experimental at once, balancing pop hooks with a slightly offbeat sense of rhythm and sound. 'Tesla Girls' is manic in the best way, bursting with punchy synth stabs and that hyperactive vocal delivery. 'Locomotion' smooths things out with a more laid-back groove, still very much dancefloor-ready but built on bounce rather than rush. Then there's 'Talking Loud and Clear,' which leans softer, airy and romantic without slipping into cliche. The deeper cuts keep things interesting with 'Love & Violence' and 'White Trash' which feel darker and more cryptic, like glimpses behind the polished exterior. Even when it flirts with radio-friendliness, the record never really plays it safe. This album links the early electronic experimentalism to the polished and slick synth pop that would take OMD to a household name with the following album. Sometimes an overlooked album in their catalog but always respected for the work within. It's a snapshot of a band pulling synthpop in new directions, not afraid to get playful or strange.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) and their 2017 future classic The Punishment of Luxury, is an album that brilliantly merges biting social commentary with the band's signature synth-driven sound. Now available on blue vinyl, this release not only delivers sonically but also visually, with its vibrant cover art reflecting the album's thematic depth. From the opening title track, OMD sets the tone with an unapologetic critique of consumer culture, driven by Andy McCluskey's impassioned vocals and sharp lyrics. The band's ability to craft music that feels timeless yet relevant is on full display, blending modern production with the nostalgic essence of their '80s work. Tracks like 'What Have We Done' capture the disillusionment of the current era while offering a plea for a better future. Despite the absence of original drummer Malcolm Holmes, the album remains powerful, with Stuart Kershaw stepping in seamlessly and the deluxe edition's packaging, with its striking design and included lyrics booklet, further enhances the experience.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Scratch on sleeve but otherwise in excellent condition***


Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) and their 2017 future classic The Punishment of Luxury, is an album that brilliantly merges biting social commentary with the band's signature synth-driven sound. Now available on blue vinyl, this release not only delivers sonically but also visually, with its vibrant cover art reflecting the album's thematic depth. From the opening title track, OMD sets the tone with an unapologetic critique of consumer culture, driven by Andy McCluskey's impassioned vocals and sharp lyrics. The band's ability to craft music that feels timeless yet relevant is on full display, blending modern production with the nostalgic essence of their '80s work. Tracks like 'What Have We Done' capture the disillusionment of the current era while offering a plea for a better future. Despite the absence of original drummer Malcolm Holmes, the album remains powerful, with Stuart Kershaw stepping in seamlessly and the deluxe edition's packaging, with its striking design and included lyrics booklet, further enhances the experience.

Review: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD) and their 2017 future classic The Punishment of Luxury, is an album that brilliantly merges biting social commentary with the band's signature synth-driven sound. Now available on blue vinyl, this release not only delivers sonically but also visually, with its vibrant cover art reflecting the album's thematic depth. From the opening title track, OMD sets the tone with an unapologetic critique of consumer culture, driven by Andy McCluskey's impassioned vocals and sharp lyrics. The band's ability to craft music that feels timeless yet relevant is on full display, blending modern production with the nostalgic essence of their '80s work. Tracks like 'What Have We Done' capture the disillusionment of the current era while offering a plea for a better future. Despite the absence of original drummer Malcolm Holmes, the album remains powerful, with Stuart Kershaw stepping in seamlessly and the deluxe edition's packaging, with its striking design and included lyrics booklet, further enhances the experience.