The Orb Album: “Orbus Terrarum”

I'll be the first to admit, I hated this album when I first got it. I was just plain out disappointed that it wasn't the ORB I knew and loved. But I got hooked into one song, "Plateau", being a huge ambient fan. After that the whole album clicked for me. From the flowing drifts of "Valley" and "Plateau", then into the piano wisps and industrial crunches of "Oxbow Lakes", into the beautiful steel guitar excursion known as "Montagne D'or", which the end of the track is amazing, we're thrown into the chaotic side of the world of ORBUS TERRARUM. "White River Junction" is a fast paced trip down a raging white water river, whereas "Occidental" is a natural disaster at full force. "Slug Dub" is an excellent closer... a 17 minute epic of psychedelia. Once you get into this album, you'll never be the same without it.

What I can't understand is why people write reviews when they don't even like the genre of music. If your into upbeat music then don't write a review for something that is ambient. If you people who gave this one star actually had an ear for music, you would realize that this is a very original and good CD. Also, the fact that Juno Reactor or The Crystal Method was suggested instead of The Orb is just ridiculous. If someone bought this CD they aren't looking for mainstream big beat music. They are looking for something to listen to and get lost in. So, dealing with this CD I can listen to it straight through and enjoy every minute of it. I can get lost in the soundscapes and enjoy the depth of this CD. If you like to really experience music then pick of this CD today!

Not sure what to make of this UK ensemble.Imagine,if you can that Pink Floyd,in their early days AS a dance band.Sort of far fetched,huh?I was a bit caught off guard when I heard the tracks "Valley" and "Oxbow Lakes".Much of The Orb's material may be to long for some listeners.'Orbus...' would definitely be ideal to play at the next rave party that you might attend.Another top rate electronic release.I saw The Orb out on tour awhile back and BELIEVE me,their live shows are something to experience.Should appeal to fans of Aphex Twin,The KLF,Tuu and Meat Beat Manifesto.

I've written a review of this before. It's a great album. I can't tell you how great. I keep re-discovering it and thinking it's the damn greatest album created. It's so ahead of it's time it's not even funny. The Orb have created a subliminal masterpiece that slowly burrows into your head and numbs you. I've decided I can't try to express in words what Orbus Terrarum is. This is some of the only music I've ever heard that feels alive. The rhythm is so organic it's scary.

This also transcends genres into something different. Labeling it just as techno or electronic doesn't work. This is a whitewash of sound.

The Orb's Orbus Terrarum is smartly crafted chill-ambience, beautifully programmed and pure ear-candy.

From the timeless passage of the beautiful 'Plateau' to the eclectic kingdom music of Oxbow Lakes, this magical 78 minute structure weaves delightfully imaginative music. Slug Dub is an experiment in dub, telling an odd fairy tale of laughing slugs eating little Timmy's lettuce in the process. Occidental is a groove-friendly treat and is more beat structured than most of the other tracks.

They incorporate different levels of percussion, not the former dance beats or reggae tinged ones, but the percussion feels more natural and quite varied. There's an abundance of different synth sounds but all the while you'll never stop being aware of what you're listening to. In other words, the Orb demand your attention on this release because it's so good. They don't cover the base of their tracks with an abundance of samples and sounds like Irresistable Force, FSOL's Lifeforms, or Heavenly Music Corporation. Instead they opt to let their musical prowess speak for itself without many added bells and whistles. Amazing music.