The 17th studio album by The Orb. I must say that’s an incredible trail of breadcrumbs. The trail leading to Abolition Of The Royal Familia. It follows a series of works which protests against the establishment. With all what has been surrounding our monarchy recently, it’s definitely a conversation that more and more people are having.
A series of works which protests against the establishment
The 17th studio album by The Orb. I must say that’s an incredible trail of breadcrumbs. The trail leading to Abolition of the Royal Familia. It follows a series of works which protests against the establishment. With all what has been surrounding our monarchy recently, it’s definitely a conversation that more and more people are having.
“Daze (Missing & Messed Up Mix)” the first track, starts with a sample “A Soul Sound Sensation.” The sample sounds like it’s been lifted from an advertisement source—it has that voice actor sound to it. Then settling right into sounds that indeed are soulful, like that of the sun, luring you out of your squalor, missing for days. This feels and sounds like the lazy haze of summer. Without anxiety or too much focus the music is gentle.
The artwork features on Abolition of the Royal Familia is an historic scene of gallows. A man faces execution and is being led up a ladder—his face covered by a black rabbits head. It reminds me of the black rabbit of death from Watership Down. My mind’s wondering now of the significance of this symbology. Especially at a time of transition towards the unknown future.
“House Of Narcotics (Opium Wars Mix)” starts—it’s like a mix of film music from Alfred Hitchcock films and the dystopian arpeggios of Blade Runner. Then House of Narcotics turns a groove but holds a sense of tension and suspicion, like the music from a gritty 70’s thriller.
“Hawk Kings (Oseberg Buddhas Buttonhole),” the third track, begins with a message from a synthetic voice similar to that of Stephen Hawkings. Again, the feeling of suspense remains. A 4/4 beat, a simple bass line and striking strings on top of sirens and lifting synths. The mysterious blend of sounds give a feeling of paranoia.
The track “Pervitin (Empire Culling & The Hemlock Stone Version),” is a pause from all the thrills and suspense. A calming time for thought. Words in the language of French and German drift along the cold English Channel. It’s almost like listening to the European dream and idea, drift away into the night. I did learn a little German at school, but I cannot translate it. I would very much like to know what is being said.
I was half expecting more rhythm and soul after drifting back from the previous track, but the album continues with a little more of that tranquility, just what The Orb are known for.
Ending the album, “Slave Till U Die, No Matter What U Buy (L’anse Aux Meadows Mix)” won’t do you well for a paranoid mind: “We interrupt this program with a special bulletin. America is now under Martial Law. All constitutional rights have been suspended. Stay in your homes. Do not attempt to contact loved ones, insurance agencies or attorneys. SHUT UP. Do not attempt to think or depression may occur. Stay in your homes.”
The cuts and samples within the recording are neatly placed and hint at the records meaning and message. How’d ya like to be brainwashed? Not that The Orb are attempting to brainwash. Or maybe they are? What is brainwashing anyhow? Collecting all the input and variables to come up with your own methodology of thinking and learning? Most succumb at the first hurdle of propaganda. Others race towards the finish line becoming a more and more ever increasing danger to the existence of the establishment.
I personally was once against the royal family. But these days I grow increasingly concerned about what the royals would be replaced with. Instead my fight is for the protection of freedoms of speech and expression. When society is vulnerable it tends to take itself seriously and doesn’t create room for it to laugh at itself. The old fashioned courtroom jester was an example of how the monarchy was to be reminded about its humanity. Without room for such folk—well—that is when society starts burning books and placing gagging orders on certain people.
As the saying goes: “Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” I hope this music does not become blacklisted in the future.
Abolition of the Royal Familia is available on Cooking Vinyl.
Abolition of the Royal Familia features guest turns from Youth, Roger Eno, Steve Hillage and Miquette Giraudy (from Gong and System 7), On U-Sound’s David Harrow, Alex’s dog Ruby, a 17 year-old trumpeter named Oli Cripps (who was working a Saturday job in Alex’s local record shop when the pair met), his cousin Leyton on whistle, real strings courtesy of Violetta, and a whole lot more.
