Chime (Orbital)

• techno
• Orbital

In the annals of electronic music history, few tracks carry the weight and legacy of Orbital’s “Chime.” As we find ourselves over three decades removed from the song’s 1990 release, it remains a shining beacon of what the UK techno scene brought to the world in the late 80s and early 90s. Brothers Paul and Phil Hartnoll, the masterminds behind Orbital, concocted an intoxicating blend of melodic synths, driving beats, and pulsating rhythms that changed the landscape of the genre forever. And isn’t that what all great songs aim to do?

What is it about “Chime” that still captivates listeners and producers today, long after its initial release? The answer lies in the very fabric of the song itself. The 12:38-long A-side track is a study in tension and release, starting with an unassuming melody that gradually layers and builds until the listener is fully immersed in a soundscape of euphoric techno bliss. The song’s structure, rhythm, and melody work together to create a transcendent experience that is both instantly recognizable and yet feels fresh with each listen.

The B-side, “Deeper,” serves as an ideal companion piece to “Chime.” Clocking in at 6:55, it offers a more introspective, downtempo take on the Orbital sound. Its haunting synths and mesmerizing beats draw the listener into a swirling vortex of sound that is as engaging as it is hypnotic.

When examining “Chime” within the context of Orbital’s discography, it becomes clear that this release served as a catalyst for the duo’s future success. As one of their earliest tracks, it provided a blueprint for their signature sound, which would be refined and expanded upon in subsequent releases. From the ambient techno of “Halcyon + On + On” to the genre-bending experimentation of “The Box,” Orbital consistently pushed the boundaries of electronic music. Yet, it all started with “Chime,” a song that set the stage for their illustrious career.

So, what inspired the Hartnoll brothers to create such an iconic track? At the time, the UK rave scene was in full swing, with artists like The Prodigy, The Orb, and The Shamen all making their mark on the ever-evolving world of electronic music. In fact, Paul and Phil have cited the burgeoning rave culture as a major influence on their decision to form Orbital. They were inspired to take their own unique approach to the genre, incorporating elements of house, techno, and breakbeat to create a sound that was distinctly their own.

One cannot discuss the release of “Chime” without acknowledging the influence of Detroit techno pioneers like Juan Atkins, Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson. Their groundbreaking work laid the foundation for artists like Orbital to build upon and ultimately create something that was entirely new. Indeed, the Hartnoll brothers were known to be avid fans of the Detroit sound, and their admiration for these trailblazers is evident in the rhythmic intricacies and melodic interplay found within “Chime.”

And what of the mislabeled copies that added a touch of mystique to this already legendary release? These rare, unintentional collector’s items serve as a testament to the song’s enduring appeal. The fact that fans continue to seek out these misprints, more than 30 years after the record’s release, is a testament to the lasting impact of Orbital’s music.

But what message can be gleaned from “Chime” and its companion track “Deeper”? If one were to distill the essence of these songs into a single theme, it might be the power of music to transport listeners to a different time and place.