Orchestral Maneouvres In The Dark - Architecture And Morality

 

Hailing from Liverpool, Orchestrial Maneouvres In The Dark had initially made their name with dance electronica/punk tracks such as "Electricity", "Messages" and "Enola Gay", all of which had given them chart success.

Their third album "Architecture and Morality" was something different, with three hit singles, all of which were slow and melodic, as they moved into more ambient music territory perhaps more associated with Brian Eno.

I paid £3.49 for the LP, presumably from a record store in Cardiff, and I had mixed feelings about it. I really liked the three singles, plus "She's Leaving", which probably would have been another hit had it been released. However, I didn't really get into the other songs, so the album didn't get played all that much, and didn't really understand why they kept banging on about Joan of Arc !

Looking at the track list now, I had no recollection of the other five songs.....

The first track on side one "The New Stone Age" immediately gives the indication that something different is happening with this album, but in a very misleading way. Instead there are clicking sounds to begin with, then some badly played out of tune guitar the like of which I might have been heard playing, before some dark, haunting synths give it a ghostly feel. It's very odd and quirky, and listening to it now I really liked it !

"She's Leaving"is a beautiful song and still my favourite on the album, The rhythms would later become familiar in songs by The Cure and the synths in mid-1980's New Order.

"Souvenir" remains OMD's highest chart placing single and features a rare lead vocal from Paul Humphries. Slow, with a gentle melody and a chorus played on synth without words.

Side one closes with "Sealand" which has a slow intro and Germanic electronics a la Neu or Kraftwerk. The keyboards are similar to those on The Cure's "Funeral Party" and the Faith era generally. It's nearly four minutes before the vocal is introduced, but I didn't like the crazy drumming/hammering around the 6 minute mark, although the synths to finish are tender. Overall though, the track is too long at nearly eight minutes,

"Joan Of Arc" opens side two and has been described as early 80 synths meets medieval romanticism. It has a gorgeous melody. "I gave her everything that I ever owned, I think she understood but she never spoke. She should have not tried to be that way, she shouldn't have to go there ever again, without me. Without me"

"Joan Of Arc ( Maid of Orleans )" is in 6/8 time and is a faux Waltz. The Mellotron is notable and the drumming is fantastic. "If Joan of Arc had a hear, would she give it as a gift.

"Architecture And Morality" is an eerie instrumental with pulse like bass and Georgian style chant backing vocals, but ultimately it's a bit on the dull side.

"Georgia" is a lively top tapper which I had totally forgotten. The Mellotron is reminiscent of the sounds on Depeche Mode's "Construction Time Again", which came a year later, and I couldn't distinguish what the long wave radio samples were. "Well, here we are again".

"The Beginning And The End" is another slow number, with a melancholic synth intro, and then some more rare guitar.

Listening to it now, "Architecture and Morality" has gone up in my estimation although "Sealand" and the title track are the low points. "The New Stone Age" was unexpectedly good, and "She's Leaving" remains a stand out.

Track Listing :

Side One :

1. The New Stone Age
2. She's Leaving
3. Souvenir
4. Sealand

Side Two :

1. Joan Of Arc
2. Joan Of Arc ( Maid Of Orleans )
3. Architecture And Morality
4. Georgia
5. The Beginning And The End

Released 1981
UK Chart Position : 3

Singles :

Souvenir ( No 3 - 1981 )
Joan Of Arc ( No 5 - 1981 )
Maid Of Orleans ( No 4 - 1982 )