Exploring the Creative Revival of OMD: Behind Their Final Studio Album and Upcoming Tour
Famed sociologist Sherry Turkle once claimed, “Boredom is your imagination calling to you.” This sentiment resonates deeply with Andrew McCluskey of Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), particularly as it relates to their latest album, “Bauhaus Staircase.” The 2023 release, potentially OMD’s last studio outing, emerged from the ennui spawned by the COVID-19 pandemic. For McCluskey, the forced downtime acted as a catalyst, reigniting his creative spark and prompting the duo—comprising himself and childhood friend Paul Humphreys—to venture into the studio once more.
During an interview, McCluskey reminisced about how the pandemic felt reminiscent of his teenage years, confined to a home with limited entertainment options. This sense of isolation encouraged him to tap into his creative instincts, leading him to compile five or six song ideas. Among these was “Veruschka,” an atmospheric track he had initially crafted for an unmade project with the duo Onetwo. The process of creating music during a time of stillness proved highly fruitful for OMD, reflecting the significant potential creativity can bloom from periods of boredom.
Another standout song from the album, “Kleptocracy,” shifts OMD’s focus toward political themes. With catchy synths supporting its critique of corrupt oligarchs pilfering resources in Russia, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia, it reveals the band’s keen sense of awareness amid contemporary issues. Despite recognizing that Humphreys was tied up with personal commitments, McCluskey credits him for sowing the seeds of tracks like “Anthropocene,” which reflects on humanity’s impact on Earth, and “Look at You Now,” capturing a wistful electro-pop sentiment.
The relationship between McCluskey and Humphreys dates back to their school days, yet OMD’s journey has seen its share of ups and downs, including a split in 1989 related to creative disagreements. Following a decade of McCluskey’s solo endeavors under the OMD name, the band reunited in 2006, paving the way for new releases. This latest project, “Bauhaus Staircase,” followed their previous album, “The Punishment of Luxury,” and emerged unexpectedly due to the pandemic. McCluskey, however, dons a realistic perspective, suggesting that barring another crisis, this most recent effort might well mark their concluding studio endeavor.
Postponing their tour initially due to McCluskey’s health issues did not diminish their enthusiasm for live performances. After successfully touring across Europe, the UK, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, the duo is now set to grace the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles for two nights on June 20 and 21. McCluskey is excited about the prospect of introducing new material alongside their beloved classics. He mentions that audiences have warmly welcomed the new songs, breaking the common trend where attendees might leave during unfamiliar tracks.
Reflecting on OMD’s roots reveals how the duo’s electrifying sound emerged amid the shifting tides of music history. Raised in the earlier years of progressive rock and punk, McCluskey was inspired by the innovative sounds of Kraftwerk, David Bowie, and Roxy Music. A seemingly awkward transition saw him move from a painful guitar-playing experience to learning bass on a left-handed model. McCluskey recalls their formative days developing unconventional music and experimenting with home-recorded tracks. Their connection with Manchester’s punk scene eventually caught the attention of influential label Factory Records, cementing their status in the pop music landscape.
Ultimately, the upcoming concerts promise to showcase a well-rounded reflection of OMD’s enduring legacy. With classic hits and new songs from “Bauhaus Staircase” blended seamlessly into their setlist, attendees can expect a comprehensive experience celebrating the duo’s impactful musical journey. As McCluskey notes, their objective remains clear: avoid the fear of releasing subpar material that could tarnish their reputation. With decades behind them, their upcoming Los Angeles shows will undoubtedly serve as a testament to their creative collaboration and the timeless appeal of their music.
Event Details:
When: June 20 & 21, at 8:00 PM
Where: The Greek Theatre, 2700 N Vermont Ave., Los Angeles
Tickets: Starting at $41.30 via ticketmaster.com
By revisiting their roots and harnessing the power of creative inspiration during uncertain times, OMD stands prepared to create yet another memorable moment in their storied career. Their latest project signifies not just a continuation of their musical legacy, but also a reflection of creativity borne from the complexities of life—a narrative many can resonate with.
