‘Smiley’ is inspired by Orbital’s origins as part of the late 80s rave scene and also references the iconic Smiley Face pop culture symbol that is officially 50 years old this year. Trademarked by French journalist Franklin Loufrani in 1972, the image was famously adopted as a symbol of Acid House.
The track samples the infamous ‘A Trip Round Acid House’ edition of ‘World In Action’, the ITV documentary which introduced millions in Middle England to what their kids were getting up to at the weekend and which includes an interview with a 20 year old Paul Hartnoll, describing how he was beaten up by police while attending a house party in Sevenoaks.
Commenting on the new album, Phil Hartnoll says, “What’s been amazing for me is looking at our past and thinking of all the people who’ve come to see us, they are absolutely brilliant, warm and create such an amazing vibe. They are now bringing their kids to our gigs, they love it.”
Echoing his sentiment, Paul Hartnoll adds “Now we’re diving into our past and reminding ourselves, blimey, we really did that. And it’s still got something to say.”
Orbital ‘30 Something’ is released on 29 July 2022 on Orbital Recordings Ltd. via London Records. ‘Where Is It Going’ featuring Stephen Hawking is out now.
ORBITAL – ’30 Something’ the album is available now https://amzn.to/3JipvYs
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